PROCEEDINGS 

IN 

Lynn, Massachusetts, 

JUNK 17, 1879, 



BEING THE 



Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the 
Settlement. 



EMBRACING THE 



ORATION, BY G¥RUS M, TRACY, 



AND THE 



ADDRESSES, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC, WITH AN 

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER AND 

A SECOND PA^T, 

'BY 7 AMES >::. .NEWHJLL.' 



LYNN : 

ITl'.LISHKI) BY OKDEK OF THE CITY COUNCIL. 

1880. 

L 



30981 



PRINTED AT THE 

LYNN RECORD OFFICE, 

77 MuNROE Street. 



:s^' 






PREFATORY NOTE. 



d»ic 



The undersigned, was requested by a Committee of 
the City Council, to prepare an account of the Celebra- 
tion of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of 
the Settlement of Lynn, which took place on the 
.eventeenth of Jime, 1870. In the absence of any 
special instruction or suggestion, it occurred to him, 
that the expectation could not be that a mere report of 
the proceedings should be furnished, as that could be 
found in the newspapers ; and hence he has attempted 
to supply what seemed necessary to give a fair, though 
exceedingly brief glimpse at our history, and to fitly 
introduce a few of the faithful spirits who have, from 
time to time, done so much to promote the prosperity, 
maintain the honor, and extend the fame of our 
cherished home. He has endeavored to furnish what 
may prove of permanent value, and possibly of some 
interest to those who may occupy our places when 
another similar round of years is completed 

Though the pages are few in number, it will readily 
be perceived that a good deal of labor and care was 
recjuired in their preparation. Descriptive and narra- 
tive passages may be written with rapidity ; but when 
dates and facts are in ([uestion, the greatest vigilance 



iv. PREFATORY NOTE. 

is required to make them exact, comprehensive and 
trustworthy ; without which qualities, they are almost 
worthless. We have, however, no fear that the little 
book, as a whole, will prove valueless or uninteresting ; 
for the Oration, the Addresses, and other performances 
it commemorates, are more than enough to save it from 
such a fate. 



CONTENTS, 



[The Index beginning on page 219 gives all the surnames in the 
book, arranged alphabetically, with the subjects.] 

Prefatory Note iii 

Introduction. — Occasion of the Celebration — coming of the Set- 
tlers — the Indians — Lynn Regis; glimpse at its history and 
condition, its antiquities and characteristics — the common 
law — eifect of climate onjcharacter — our Saxon blood, whence 
inherited — hopes and designs of the settlers — Town Meetings, 
— "Ye Great and Generall Courte" — adoption of City form of 
Government 7 

The Celebration. — Full account of the procession — the various 
out-door sports and exercises — the Oration and other services 
at Music Hall — the Banquet at Odd Fellows' Hall, with the bill 
of fare, the toasts, addresses, remarks, correspondence, etc. . 25 

Part Second. — Ideal march along Boston street — old landmarks, 
old residents, and interesting historical events — business centres 
and changes — architectural improvements — Tqwn Meetings — 
Mayors, and other city and town officers, and prominent indi- 
viduals, with numerous biographical sketches and personal 
notices — the industry and thrift of the people — the poor — 
tramps — Public Library — Schools — Newspapers — Lynn in 
times of war — Soldiers' Monument — population — Religious 
Societies — Territorial situation, descriptions of scenery, etc. . 83 

Chronological Table, of the most prominent events in the 
whole history of Lynn 209 

Index 219 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

City Hall 12(i 

Lyceum Hall 221 

Odd Fellows' Halt 122 

Old Tunnel Meeting-house 117 

Soldiers' Monument 191 

Town House 119 



AUTOGRAPHS. 



AUTOGRAPHS, 

Baker, Daniel C 1'25 

Bassett, William 149 

Batchekler, .loliu 149 

Breed, Allen 173 

Breed, Andrews 127 

Breed, Hiram N 130 

Bubicr, Samuel M 136 

Buftum James X 133 

Burrill, (Jeor^i-e 168 

Burrill, John 146 

Davis, Edward S 129 

Dexter, Thomas 162 

Hood, George 123 

Humfrey, John 158 

Ingalls, E. A 150 

Johnson. Wm. F 128 

Jones. Benj. 11 150 

I^aui-liton, Thomas 143 



(Fac-Similes.) 

Lewis, Alonzo 151 

Lewis, Jacob JNI 135 

Lummus, Clias F 184 

Mansfield. Andrew 141 

Merritt, Charles 140 

Mudge, Benj. F 124 

Mudge, Ezra Warren .... 127 

Neal, Teter M 131 

Newhall, James K iv 

Tarsons, Chas. E 150 

rurchis, Oliver 144 

Richardson. Thos. 1' 120 

Sanderson, (ieo. 1' 137 

Slickney. J. (' 1.54 

Lsher, Roland G. . . . . . . 132 

Walden, Edwin 134 

Wliiting. I.'ev. Samuel .... 107 



INTRODUCTION: 



The most interesting celebration, perhaps, in more 
than one respect, that ever took place in Lynn, occurred 
on Tuesday, June 17, 1879. It was the celebration of 
the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the 
commencement of the settlement, and an occasion well 
calculated to inspire a lively interest in the story of 
the past, and a grateful appreciation of the blessings 
that have attended almost every step of our municipal 
progress — an occasion on which it was natural for the 
mind to revert to the shadowy days when the red man 
roamed as lord of the soil ; to the days when the first 
glimmerings of civilization began to warm and vivify, 
and so on, to this our day of wonderful attainment in 
all that marks the upward progress of our race. 

It was in 1629 — somewhere in June, as near as can 
be ascertained — when the advance party of indomitable 
settlers, appeared over the rocky hills upon the north- 
east, and without any " dedicatory ceremony," such 
as would at this day be deemed necessary to such an 
undertaking, commenced, with strong arms and hopeful 
hearts, to level the ancient forest. The ring of the ax 
was a new sound in these solitudes, and, to the dusky 
rover, fell like the tocsin note announcing the decline of 
his dominion over the land ; for the ancient seers of 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

his race had foretold of a people to come from the land 
of the rising sun and possess his heritage. 

In the absence of any certain knowledge, as to the 
precise day of the month on which the settlement com- 
menced, it was well to have the commemorative services 
on the seventeenth, the historic day so prominent in our 
annals. 

From the primeval day of the settlement, how, na- 
turally, does the mind follow the fathers and mothers of 
the plantation, in their heroic struggles — often de- 
pressed by dangers without and anxieties within, some- 
times well nigh unnerved by prolonged privation, and 
enfeebled by toil — till in victory their prayers were 
answered, their efforts crowned. And if, from the 
sphere in which they now live and move, they have 
power to look abroad over this, the stage on which 
was enacted so much of their earthly parts, how great 
occasion will they have to rejoice over the blessings 
which have followed their earnest and regenerating 
endeavors. 

It would be interesting, and by no means irrelevant, to 
occupy some space with inquiries into the history and 
condition of the race who preceded us in-the occupation 
of this territory ; a race, which, by steady and unin- 
terrupted decline, has now almost ceased to be known 
upon earth. It is sad to contemplate the utter destruc- 
tion of a people, however small in number, and 
however signally they may have failed in their approach 
towards the higher standards of the great family of 
man ; and the mind is naturally led to inquire if there 
is not some lesson of value to be learned from their 
history and fate. But the history of the red men 
remains in impenetrable obscurity. They had no books 



INTRODUCTION. 9 

to contain their laws, exhibit their polity, or record 
their achievements ; no written language. And, pos- 
sibly, the rigid moralist may say, it would have been 
as well for the world, had some of the merely warlike 
nations of antiquity been in like condition. 

The territory of the Third Plantation — Third of 
Massachusetts, as distinguished from Plymouth — 
seems to have been the home of some prominent chiefs ; 
that is, so far as semi-nomads can be said to have 
homes. They were " sometimes here and sometimes 
there," to use a phrase in the Indian deed of Lynn, 
as applied to the chief under whom the grantees 
claimed. And hence, while it cannot exactly be 
assumed that Lynn was the Washington of an Indian 
Confederacy, it was yet the residence, at times, of 
renowned tribal heads. 

Sagamore Hill, the beautiful elevation lying between 
Nahant and Beach streets, which quite within the 
memory of the writer, was an open area of pasture 
land, much visited in the warm season for its refresh- 
ing airs and lovely views, but whose airy salutings and 
resplendent prospects are now so obstructed by the 
architectural encroachments which have appeared dur- 
ing the 'last forty years, was, perhaps, for many 
centuries, the oft-chosen seat of the dusky rulers. 
Indeed the name signifies Hill of Kings. Various 
reasons for the selection of this spot, by the chiefs, as 
a place of residence, can readily be imagined — such 
as its commanding position, by which approaching 
danger might be discovered ; its proximity to the sea, 
from which supplies of food might be obtained ; its 
accessibility by water, whicli an Indian could well 



10 INTRODUCTION. 

appreciate. And may we not presume that the " poor 
Indian " had some perception of the grand and beauti- 
ful, or even a touch of the sentimental — that he might 
have loved to scan the waving woods, the battlemented 
shores, the moon-lit sea and starry sky? Can it even 
be doing violence to probability, to imagine him, in 
sombre mood, sitting at his cabin door in the evening 
twilight, with his solacing pipe, gazing out over the 
purple waste, and pondering upon the old prophesies, 
handed down by his fathers, that from beyond, there 
would come a people to destroy his race and possess the 
land? — while his dusky squaw was busy about her 
rustic wigwam duties, and his frolicsome daughters 
were romping upon the glittering beaches or sporting 
in the waves ? 

It is impossible to arrive at any satisfactory conclu- 
sion as to the number of subjects claimed by the 
Sagamore of Lynn, at the time the settlers arrived, 
though it is evident that not more than three arithme- 
tical figures would be required to enumerate the whole. 
They appear to have been loyal, and not by any means 
under severe restraint. Their pursuits were rather 
peaceful than warlike, though individual instances of 
savage cruelty too often occurred. They loved games 
and sports, and sometimes assembled on the beach, in 
view of the habitation of the Sagamore, and pursued 
their athletic exercises, as well as games, that not 
unfrequently degenerated into downright gambling ; 
occasionally becoming so infatuated as to divest them- 
selves of everything they possessed, even to their wives. 
The acceptance of the latter, however, was, sometimes, 
to the chagrin of the loser, refused by the winner — 
perhaps from a suspicion that a losing game had 
purposely been played. 



INTRODUCTION. U 

Much has been written concerning the mental 
characteristics of the red men ; especially of their high 
poetic conceptions, and their beautifully figurative and 
expressive language. As to their poetic conceptions, 
such as comparing numbers to the sands on the shore, 
the leaves on the trees and the stars in the sky, it 
may be remarked that such comparisons, rather than 
being the out-spring of poetic feeling, arose from sheer 
inability to count. They had no knowledge of hundreds 
and thousands, or any arithmetical principle, and so, 
when attempting to give numbers, did it figuratively, 
or by comparison with something visible. And it should 
be remembered that the Indian languages were unwrit- 
ten. Those really unpronounceable strings of letters 
supposed to be Indian words, were often phrases or 
whole sentences. They did not write or spell ; and 
when an Englishman asked one by what word he would 
name a certain thing, he might receive such a reply as 
would involve the use and purpose of the thing. Sup- 
posing, for instance, he asked what was the Indian name 
for a mill, the reply might be, in Indian, water turn- 
wheelgrindcorn, or windblowroundgreatarmsgrindcorn. 

The Indians possessed every quality, mental and 
physical, that goes to make up the man, and so, were 
not monsters. Education in the schools of civilization, 
would, no doubt, have shown that they possessed 
capabilities of advancement equal to any other people ; 
indeed examples illustrative of this were not wanting ; 
though to most of the pious settlers they appeared like 
an unredeemed race, with minds unsanctified, habits 
debased, and no aspiration for better things. But we 
must bid adieu to these, our red brethren, only 
remarking, that hereabout they do not appear to have 



12 INTRODUCTION. 

been, as a body, inclined to assume a hostile attitude, 
and the ravages committed by them, were of compari- 
tively small account. What they would have attempted, 
had they been numerous and powerful, can only be 
conjectured. 

The settlers were a sober, industrious, religious 
people, and do not appear to have entertained any 
bitter feeling toward the people of the land they had left, 
nor to have considered themselves refugees from perse- 
cution. They came rather as voluntary exiles, seeking 
new homes, far removed from the pressure of ancient 
immobile and cramping institutions and economies 
such as rendered life in the old world a continuous and 
unsatisfying struggle — new homes, free from the 
deadening influences that so mingled with the old world 
civilizations, homes where might be established institu- 
tions more in accordance with the upward aspirations of 
the care-worn race. 

As regards the particular individuals who first pitched 
their tents here — many descendants from whom, re- 
taining the robust qualities of their fathers, and aiding 
efficiently in the prosperity and fame of our beloved 
city, are yet numbered among us — little need be said 
in this place, as in the following pages, all that can be 
required, will appear. 

It is well known to those who are at all familiar with 
our local history, that the ancient name, Saugus, desig- 
nated the territory constituting the Third Plantation, 
and that it was in 1637, that the curt order of the 
General Court — Saugust is called Lin — was recorded. 
The reason for the adoption of the new name, it may 



INTRODUCTION. 13 

be remarked, in passing, was that Mr. Whiting, the 
miicli beloved minister, came from Lynn Regis, in 
England. And as one of the most interesting features 
of the intellectual entertainment that followed the gas- 
tronomic, on the day of the Celebration, was the 
introduction of a correspondence, embodying most 
friendly greetings from our municipal ancestor — from 
Mayor Seppings and other prominent individuals — it 
seems eminently proper to say a few words touching 
the history of that ancient borough. 

Lynn Regis, or King's Lynn, or simply Lynn, as it 
seems to be indiscriminately called, is in Norfolk, on the 
river Ouse, which falls into the German ocean, at the 
Wash. It is a very old place, and is mentioned in 
Doomsday Book, A. D. 1086. Centuries ago it had an 
embattled wall and fosse, of which, but little now 
remains. The East Gate, a ponderous specimen of 
masonry, as appears by an old engraving, kindly seat 
to the writer by an esteemed practitioner there, was 
taken down, in 1800, for the reason, as has been 
facetiously asserted, that the arch was too low for a 
load of hay. But of course it had ceased to be useful, 
and grown to be an encumbrance. 

Till the time of Henry VIII. (1509-1547) it was 
in possession of the Bishop of Norwich, and called 
Lynn Episcopi — Bishop's Lynn. An exchange of 
certain possessions took place between the King and 
the Bishop, by which, the jurisdiction was transferred 
to the sovereign, and then it began to be called Lynn 
Regis — King's Lynn. 

Three or four streams or small rivers, crossed by 
bridges, perhaps a dozen in number, traverse it. Its 
exports of corn and wool are large, and it has iron 



14 INTRODUCTION. 

foundries, breweries and shipyards. The business parts 
of the town are compact, with fine stores and several 
stately public buildings. The provisions for education, 
for the poor, and for all the advanced demands of civil- 
ization, seem to be ample. The place, of course, must 
have what an American would call an old look, yet 
having a substantial and prosperous air. The streets 
are well lighted, the public walks picturesque, and 
some portions present quite a rural aspect, with fine 
mansions. It is about ninety miles from London, has 
convenient railroad communication with the rest of 
England, and packets and steamers run to various 
ports. 

The population of Lynn Regis is at present between 
16,000 and 17,000 but it has fluctuated much at 
different periods, though the variations for the last fifty 
years have not been very great, as will appear by the 
following concise statement : 

Years: 1821 1831 1841 1851 1861 1871 



Population: 12,253 13,370 16,039 : 9,148 15,981 16,363 

In the stormy days of King John, (1199-1216) the 
people of Lynn seem to have espoused the cause of the 
Sovereign, rather than that of the Barons ; a fact not 
calculated to elevate them in the eyes of the free spirits 
of our own Lynn, whose sympathies are all with " the 
people." But they received important favors from the 
King, and his successor, Henry III., in return for their 
allegiance. Would any one, however, at this day, 
claim that the memorable achievement at Runny mode, 
could be outweighed by any royal gift or favor ? The 
people of Lynn likewise espoused the cause of Charles 
I., for whose fate the settlers here do not seem to have 
deeply mourned ; the previous radical denunciations of 



INTRODUCTION. 15 

Hugh Peters having, perhaps, had something to do with 
moulding public opinion. 

Compared with her ancient archetype, our own Lynn 
has little to boast of in the way of architectural anti- 
quity. There is the ancient Town House, Our Lady's 
Chapel of the Red Mount, Grey Friar's Tower, and 
the grand old church of St. Nicholas. There, too, is 
the stately church of St. Margaret, which was founded 
more than .three centuries before the discovery of 
America, by Columbus. And in alluding to St. Mar- 
garet's, one of the oldest in England, it is pleasant to 
acknowledge the courtesy of the authorities, in sending 
a stone, taken from its ancient wall — a stone, which, 
without doubt, was quarried before the close of the 
eleventh century — with its friendly inscription, to be 
incorporated in St. Stephen's Memorial church, now 
in process of erection, on South Common street. 

Attention being thus directed to Lynn Regis, we are 
reminded, that among the estimable correspondents, the 
reading of whose communications, formed so interesting 
a part of the exercises at Odd Fellows' Hall, was 
Mayor Seppings. And while our little W9rk has been 
passing through the press, the painful intelligence has 
been received of the death of that worthy magistrate. 
He died very suddenly, while presiding at a committee 
meeting, on the 10th of April, 1880. 

Would it not be wonderful if the liberty-loving 
Englishmen of the present day, should fail to have a 
devotional respect for the old churches that still rear 
their time-stained walls in many a rural and even obscure 
quarter? They are historic memorials, often of the 
deepest interest, for they have been mute witnesses of 
heroic struggles for liberty and right. Can he forget 



16 INTRODUCTION. 

the patriotic stand taken by some of the undaunted 
prelates in the critical times immediately preceding the 
establishment of the Great Charter, and the alacrity 
with which they came so resolutely to the support of 
the endangered liberties of the common people ? 

But our purpose was to allude to the old erections 
as mere antiquities, by centuries ante-dating anything 
of the kind in our land, and then, perhaps, with a little 
of that Yankee pride which aspires to universal superi- 
ority, to add, that we have all about us, grander and 
more ancient things to gaze upon ; for has not that 
great expounder of nature's mysteries, Agassiz, assured 
us that the rocky battlements that rise along our shores, 
on which he so loved to gaze, and against which, the 
ever-dashing Atlantic billows murmured a stern lullaby 
-for his nightly repose, stood in solemn grandeur, ages 
before Europe emerged from the chaotic mass ? 

But we must return from the visit to our ancient 
prototype, however interesting or profitable a longer 
stay might prove, remarking that the few settlers who 
came from that vicinity, seem to have been thoroughly 
imbued with the sentiments and theories that went to 
form, what ultimately came to be known, as New Eng- 
land character. It has been said that one of the 
richest possessions the settlers brought, was the Com- 
mon Law of England. They indeed brought with 
them, the principles of the Great Charter ; principles 
imbibed with theirv ery infantile nourishment. But 
what is or was the common law ? " The perfection of 
human reasons ; " "the embodiment of common sense ; " 
we are told. But is it not true that what may be called, 
the perfection of reasoning and common sense, at one 



INTRODUCTION. 17 

time and under one set of circumstances, may at anoth- 
er time and under another set, assume a very different 
appearance? The eminent Blackstone, says: "the 
common law does never inflict any punishment extending 
to life or limb, unless upon the highest necessity," But 
Christian, his annotator, remarks, " This is a compli- 
ment, which, I fear, the common law does not deserve ; 
for although it did not punish with death, any person 
who could read, even for any number of murders or 
other felonies, yet it inflicted death upon any felon who 
could not read, though his crime was the stealing of 
only twelve pence farthing." It is not to be supposed 
that the purpose in this was to indirectly advance the 
cause of education, by hanging unlettered culprits ; 
but it distinguishes between offenders in a way that at 
this time, and in this land, would pass for very uncom- 
mon law. And it is hardly probable that our good 
fathers intended to import just that. It may, however, 
be said, that the value of the common law consists in 
its flexibility and readiness to take color from the spirit 
of the passing time. But that, it is at once seen, 
reduces it to an uncertainty. 

But, as just remarked, our strong-minded and 
strong-purposed ancestors did bring with them the 
principles recorded amid the terrors of Runnymede, 
and, once here, and to a degree unhampered, heroically 
set about the work of exemplifying their exalted con- 
ceptions of human rights, proceeding industriously and 
in an intelligent and humane way, to found institutions 
in which those principles would have a fair field of 
action, — institutions most surely calculated to secure to 
all, the godly boon of equal rights and privileges, and 
promote the expansion of the nobler qualities of our 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

race. But they were not perfect beings, and glaring 
inconsistencies, between profession and conduct, too 
soon and too often appeared. 

Tiiat climate has a marked influence in forming the 
character of a people, physically, is a truth too obvious 
to need stating. And as the development of the in- 
tellectual depends so much on the physical, it can well 
be admitted that the climate of New England had an . 
energizing effect on the settlers, and Avas so far effec- 
tual in preventing any decline in the robust English 
character. But the extent to which some philosophers 
would lead us, in the matter of the supposed relation 
between climate and the moral and even religious 
qualities, seems bordering on the romantic, if not, 
indeed, a step or two within the territory lying next to 
the sublime. And though the learned and somewhat 
famous French physician, Dr. Bodichon, who spent 
some time in Algiers, in speaking of the terrible sirocco 
that occasionally sweeps up from the desert of Sahara, 
assures us, as if the connection were easily traceable, 
that " Calvinists and Puritans will be found to resist 
the baleful effects of tbis wind, better than persons of 
other persuasions," we confess to being puzzled in the 
effort to satisfactorily trace the connections. . Nor shall 
we venture to even suggest how the Calvinism and 
Puritanism of New England may have been affected by 
atmospheric eccentricities ; or to what atmospheric 
condition can be referred the exceptional conduct 
towards the Quakers and Baptists ; more especially 
shall we not attempt to divine what elemental con- 
spiracy induced the weird episode of 1692. Never- 
theless, it is a subject worthy of thought, and the 
reflective mind might dally with speculations far less 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

profitable. One certainly can conceive of some indirect 
connections between climatic conditions and mental or 
moral tendencies ; but in the attempt to trace those 
connections, the involutions of materialism may fatally 
entangle, hereditary tendencies necessarily entering 
largely into the account. 

We boast of our " Saxon blood;" but what is it, 
•and how came it in our veins? or has it been changed 
or diluted? Here in New England, reasoning only 
from a climatic stand-point, one might conclude that it 
is retained in a rather improA^ed condition. Upon the 
frigid shores of the Baltic, in far-off centuries, in 
times indeed before the period known as the Middle 
Ages, the Saxon race existed and their sturdy character 
was formed. They were a rude people ; barbarous, 
indeed, but strong in body and mind, and possessed of 
an unconquerable love for a sort of wild freedom and 
manly aspiration, with ambition running, perhaps, into 
tribal insolence. Nearly fifteen centuries ago, by the 
inhabitants of the British Isles, they were invited 
over in the expectation that their fierce bravery would 
be sufficient protection against the inroads of still more 
barbarous invaders, the Roman guardianship having 
been withdrawn, as Rome herself needed all her cohorts 
to guard against hostile invasions at home. The Saxons 
came, fraternized with the Britons, and essentially, by 
mere force of character, soon gained the ascendancy, 
and became masters of the realm. The blood of the 
two races intermingled, and the controlling power of 
the Saxon was presently manifest, the benign influences 
of Christianity intervening to temper and elevate. 
Then down through generations, not essentially changed 
by the Norman intermingling, rectifying and warming, 



80 INTRODUCTION. 

flowed this heroic northern blood to the New England 
settlers ; and from them, have we ourselves received 
what is perhaps our richest possession — a possession 
which has done so much to make England and America 
what they are. 

The settlers went to their work in an earnest and 
manly way. The principles that crowned the triumph 
at Runnymede, were the principles that governed in all 
their efforts, permeating and imparting life and health 
to every detail, even as the sturdy oak is by the health- 
ful sap permeated, nourished and invigorated in every 
limb and twig. 

But some caviler may say, Think you that those 
delving old settlers, worthy indeed, in their way, com- 
ing as they chiefly did from the middle and lower 
ranks ; those farmers, fishermen, mechanics, and com- 
mon toilers, uneducated to a degree, and unaccustomed 
to comprehensive reflection, or even cursory meditation 
on the great principles of political economy or abstract 
human right — think you that they deliberately pro- 
posed perspicuous theories, solved occult mental prob- 
lems, or suggested new and elevated plans for human 
action? Unquestionably, the prime necessities of 
existence, required much thought, as well as physical 
exertion ; but the spirit that animated them in all their 
hours of toil, of privation and of success, was the 
spirit of the free man. And their hopes and endeavors 
were stimulated by regard for the well-being of the 
generations that were to come after them. They were 
of sturdy English stock, and had sufficient native 
sagacity to perceive the right road, and suflicient 
strength of purpose to pursue it. The many examples 
the world has to exhibit, of true greatness, shining 



INTRODUCTION. 81 

forth from the humbler ranks, of godlike men toiling 
on in the most lowly positions, cannot fail to teach the 
least observent, that to the so-called higher classes, we 
are by no means specially called to look for the wise 
and good. And we also learn the other lesson, that 
wisdom and greatness do not always spring from fine- 
drawn theory or long-established doctrine. 

That our forefathers did not always appear to act in 
conformity with their high principles and professions, is 
most true. But what individual ever did act undeviat- 
ingly up to his sense of right ? Human nature is im- 
perfect, and customs of a given age are often the 
occasion of glaring inconsistency between conduct and 
principle. It is not difficult to take any individual, and 
by exhibiting only his evil side, make him appear an 
object worthy of detestation ; or by taking into view 
only his virtuous side, make him an object worthy of 
veneration, when, indeed, his is simply an average 
character. And so of communities. We seem hardly 
to consider that right and justice are exterior to our- 
selves, and often far enough away, and that it is for 
us to strive to reach them, as they neither advance nor 
retreat. The good old settlers aimed high, and on the 
whole, came wonderfully near the mark ; realizing, no 
doubt, that if aiming low, they would be sure to hit 
low. 

Governed by the sentiments and convictions indicated, 
the settlers, for the regulation of their internal affairs, 
established the Town Meeting, in which every one 
could be heard, and all public affairs be freely discussed. 
And then, as the broader interests required attention, 
" Y*" Great and Gen'all Courte," was established, the 



22 INTRODUCTION. 

same principles of free representation and free discus- 
sion being there maintained. While the population 
remained sufficiently small, every freeman was con- 
sidered a member, and liable to be fined if he did not 
attend, for the judgment and wisdom of all were 
rightfully claimed, it being fully realized that mental 
vigor, high-minded conception and heroic devotion, are 
not the outo;rowth alone of cultivation or scholastic 
discipline ; that sometimes in the mind of the humblest 
hewer of wood or drawer of water, may arise an idea 
or suggestion of unspeakable value to the community. 
Where all have an opportunity to express their views 
and convictions, if much that is crude appears, much 
also that is of the highest value may be elicited. But 
the time soon arrived when it was impracticable for the 
whole body of freemen to attend the legislative sessions ; 
and then the end had to be sought through Deputies or 
Representatives. 

It was not till 1850, that Lynn found it expedient to 
dispense with the venerated Town Meeting, and adopt 
the City form of government This she did by an 
undisputed majority of legal votes, though not without 
lingering regrets and many dissenting voices. The 
Town Meetings were becoming more and more unwieldy, 
as every one perceived, but yet there was a fear in the 
minds of many, that the abridgement of individual 
freedom would be a greater evil. Many of us well 
remember the stirring scenes of that period, and how 
strenuously the change was opposed by some of our 
most worthy townsmen — notably the Hon. George 
Hood, who, nothwithstanding his sledge-hammer ap- 
peals and almost tearful entreaties for the continuance 



INTRODUCTION. 23 

of the old Town form, had such a firm hold upon the 
confidence of the people, and was deemed so trust- 
worthy, that he was chosen to the new and onerous 
office of Mayor, for the first and second terms. On 
accepting the office, like a good citizen, h© allowed no 
prejudice or predilection to interfere with a fair and 
honest administration. Section nineteen of the Charter, 
however, was calculated to have a reconciling effect, 
and doubtless had due influence on many minds. It 
provides, in brief, that on the requisition of fifty 
qualified voters, the Mayor and Aldermen shall call a 
general meeting of qualified voters, to consult upon the 
public good. The first, and as far as is now recollected, 
the only meeting ever held under this provision, con- 
vened on the afternoon of Thursday, September 1, 1870, 
in the vestibule of the City Hall, and had special 
reference to the laying out of Central Avenue, which 
some parties deemed uncalled for by any public exigency 
or interest. The City Council had already ordered the 
laying out, and this meeting was called in the hope of 
obtaining such an expression of public opinion, as 
would induce a revocation of the order. The meeting 
was large, and several prominent men took part in a 
warm discussion, which diverged to other questions of 
public interest. A decided majority appeared against 
the measure, and strong resolutions were passed 
accordingly. But the government having thoroughly 
examined the matter, were not induced to recind their 
order, and the work went on. How this meeting, in 
the light of a precedent, may, at a future time be 
regarded, remains to be seen. 

But we must come to the events of the day in 
question. 



THE CELEBRATION, 



The question of the celebration of the Two Hundred 
and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Settlement of Lynn 
had been for some time agitated ; indeed, for many 
months, the desirableness of such an observance had 
been conceded. The Mayor, in his inaugural address 
at the beginning of the year, drew attention to the sub- 
ject, and in the Board of Aldermen, January 16, 1879, 
the following order was passed : 

" Ordered, That so much of the Tnaiigura] Address of His Honor, 
the Mayor, as relates to the celebration of the Two Hundred and 
Fiftieth Anniversary of the Settlement of Lynn, be referred to a Joint 
Special Committee, to consist of His Honor the Mayor and two 
Aldermen, together with tlie President and three other members of 
the Common Council.'" 

This order was adopted by the Common Council on 
the same day, and the Joint Special Committee ap- 
pointed. That Committee soon after submitted a 
report which elicited a rather protracted discussion. 
But finally, on the first day of April, the following 
orders were passed by the Board of Aldermen : 

" Ordered, ITiat for the i^roper observance of tlie Two Hundred and 
Fiftieth Anniversary of the Settlement of Lynn, the sum of Two 
Tliousand Dollars be, and hereby is, appropriated from the account of 
contingencies; said sum to be expended midi'r tlu' direction of the 
Committee on said celebration.'" 

""Ordered, Also, that the seventccntlj of .huic in'xt. be tlic <lay 
observed.'" 



26 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

On the seventeenth of April, the above orders were 
concurred in by the Common Council, and approved by 
the Mayor. The Committee appointed under the order 
consisted of the same individuals who composed the 
first-named Committee, to wit : 

His Honor, Mayor George P. Sanderson. 

Aldermen N. D. C. Breed, and Nathan A. Ramsdell. 

Common Councilmen, President Charles E. Kimball, 
Charles E. Harwood, Josiah F. Kimball, and Alfred P. 
Flint. 

This Committee, in whose hands rested the general 
supervision, attended to their duties, and made such 
sub - appointments and other arrangements as were 
necessary for the harmonious execution of details, ap- 
pointing Col. Benjamin F. Peach, Jr., Chief Marshal. 

The day of the celebration opened bright and beauti- 
ful, though heavy rains had fallen during the two pre- 
ceding days. Those who retired on the night of the 
16th with gloomy apprehensions from the atmospheric 
threatenings, awoke on the 17th, greeted by a brilliant 
sun, and a cool, bracing air, by the merry ringing of 
bells and the belching of cannon. The spirits of the 
people arose, the population was soon a-stir, and the 
well-digested order of proceedings entered upon. 

First in order occurred the wonderful exhibition of 
the " Antiques and Horribles," as they were called. 
They mustered soon after sunrise, and pursued their 



THE CELEBRATION. 27 

vagrant march through the principal streets. The city 
authorities had made an appropriation for this display, 
thus recognizing it as a legitimate part of the day's pro- 
ceedings. To a certain class, and that by no means a 
small one, this afforded great attraction. Harmless fun, 
with a few strokes of rather rasping satire, characterized 
this opening scene, and no doubt had a tendency to 
stimulate the ideas of many to even a more lively mood. 

Next in order of time were the sports at Flax and 
Gold Fish ponds — swimming and boat and tub racing — 
which were interesting and amusing to large collections 
of spectators, prizes being awarded to the victorious 
contestants. 

Then, during the forenoon, a bicycle race took place 
about the Common, in which the skill of the young men 
who appeared as riders, elicited much commendation 
from the hosts of spectators. Here, too, the most skill- 
ful received prizes. 

A very large and animated concourse gathered about 
the wharves to witness the rowing regatta and acjuatic 
races. Prizes of considerable amount were contended 
for, and a very interesting scene was presented. 

A number of excellent bands of music were stationed 
in different neighborhoods, or marching along the streets, 
adding greatly to the enjoy ableness of the occasion. 
Indeed, so liberal had been the provision in tliis direc- 
tion, that at almost any hour and in almost any locality 
harmonious and enlivening sounds met the ear. 



28 LYNN: 1629 — 1879. 

The decorations of public buildings, of l)usiness places 
and private residences, were in many instances expen- 
sive and very fine ; but in a few cases, might critically 
be considered rather gay than appropriate. 

To some, it would, without doubt, be interesting to 
have more detailed accounts of these in some sense 
subsidiary displays and performances — of the Antiques 
and Horribles — of the Sports upon the Ponds — of the 
Bicycle Race — of the Rowing Regatta — of the Music 
— of the Decorations — but it is necessary to be frugal 
of space. And besides, these are points on which mere 
suggestion is perhaps all that is necessary, every one 
being competent to frame a sufficiently vivid picture in 
his own mind. At all events, from the newspapers of 
the day, files of which may be found in the Public 
Library, every desirable particular may be learned. 

With these remarks, we come to what may be called 
the main features of the Celebration — the Procession, 
the Oration and other exercises at Music Hall, and the 
Banquet at Odd Fellows' Hall. 

It may be well, however, to make the preliminary 
observation that it is not deemed proper by the indi- 
vidual appointed to prepare this account, to indulge in 
encomium or animadversion — to praise this or censure 
that. His duty is to tell the story in a plain, unvar- 
nished manner. The literary achievements will take 
care of themselves, every reader having the opportunity 
to make up liis own judgment. It seems only desirable 



THE PROCESSION. 39 

to remark thut the proceedings throughout were received 
with every demonstration of satisfaction ; and the 
favorable judgment of those present, it is hardly to be 
apprehended, will be questioned by those who were 
absent. It seems, then, unnecessary to speak of this 
as " excellent " or that as " admirable ;" — to say that 
here was "applause" and there " prolonged cheering," 
because the reader himself can perceive what was de- 
served. Promptings of the kind are sometimes mis- 
chievous, for atoms of disguised irony may float in 
unawares. A local hit will often deservedly induce 
" applause " or "laughter ;" while to the future reader 
the interjection may prove anything but explanatory. 



I. THE PROCESSICN, 

■ The most satisfactory idea of the groundwork of this 
important part of the day's proceedings may be formed 
from a perusal of the programme issued by the Chief 
Marshal, coupled with the remark that it was carried 
out with as much promptness and fidelity as is usually 
possible on such occasions. We quote it in full : 

CITY OF LYNN. 



lieaflciuaT-tei's of" City IMni-ishal. 



City Half., Lynn, ) 
June 10, IBTtl. !» 



The following instructions are published for the in- 
formation of Organizations and others intending to join 



30 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

the Procession, on the occasion of the celebration of 
the 250th Anniversary of the Settlement of Lynn, on 
the 17th inst., and for the information of the citizens 
generally. The formation of the Procession will l)e 
as follows : 



POLICE MOUNTED. 
Under command of Citj^ Marshal Stone, 

ESCORT, 
American Band — D. Reeves, Leader. 

8th REGIMENT INFA.NTRY, M. V. M.. 
Lieut.-Col. C. L. Ayers, Commandiiiii,'. 

Companjf M, Lawrence, Captain L. N. I)iichesne\ . 

F, Haverhill, " Marsliall Alden. 
" A, Newburyport, " Henry Walsh. 

B, " " Samuel W. Tuck. 
" I, Lynn, " Charles E. Chase. 

H, Chelsea, " George W. White. 

C, Marblehead, " S. F. McClearn. 
" D, Lynn, " C. M. Sprague. 
" L, Salem, " Jona. Osborne. 

G, Gloucester. " Stephen Rich. 
" K. Salem, " Daniel Casey. 

E, Beverly, " Chas. L. Dodge. 

CHIEF MAUSIIAL. 

COL. BENJ. F. PEACH. ,Ui. 

STAFF. 

Major Charles C. Fry, Ad.jt. Gen. 

Col. Josei)h A. Ingalls. Asst. Ad.jt. Gen. 

Captain John G. Warner, Asst. Ad.jt. Gen. 

Lieutenant Chas. H. Boardman, Chief (^. M. 

Major J. S. Emerson. Surgeon. 

AIDS, 

Lieut. Mark F. Hutchings, Lieut. E. C. Stone. Charles W. 

Varney, Fritz II. Raddin, Chas. W. Palmer, E. P. 

Cushman, Lieut. P. S. Curry, Henry H. Green. 

George H. Drury. Amos F. Chase. 

J. J. Callahan. Josepli Shaw. 



THE PROCESSION. 31 

FIRST DIVISION: 

HOWARD L. PORTER, Esq., 

Chief of Division. 

H. A. Johnson, A. A. G. 

J. A. McArtliur, M. D., Aide. Horace Grant, Aide. 

S. C. T. Aborn, Aide. 

BAND. 

Post No. 5, G. A. R., 

W. L. Baird, Commander. 

Salem Band — John A. Flockton, Leader. 

Palestine Encampment, I. O. O. F. 

Calanthe Lodge, K. of P. 

Howard Temple of Honor. 

St. Mary's C. T. A. 

City Government and Invited Guests in Carriages. 



SECOND DIVISION: 

LIEUT. CHARLES W. KNAPP, 

Chief of Division. 

A. W. Larkin, a. a. G. 

Chas. O. BoAvers, Aide. Frank McCullough, Aide. 

Herbert Johnson, Aide. 

BAND. . 

Schools of the City as follows: 

HIGH SCHOOL. 

Schools of Ward One. 

Schools of Ward Two. 

Schools of Ward Three. 

Schools of Ward Fom-. 

Schools of Ward Five. 

Schools of Ward Six. 

Schools of Ward Seven. 



THIRD DIVISION: 

CAPT. A. J. HOIT, 
Chief of Division. 

S. A. Barton, Aide. James H. Tmnith Aide. 
Charles A. Ramsdell, Aide. 



32 LYNN: 1629 — 1879. 

Rf^presentations of Trades in the following order: 

Printers. 

Root and Shoe Manufacturers. 

Morocco Manufacturers and Dealers. 

Sole Cutters and Leather Dealers. 

Shoe Manufacturers' Supplies. 

Boot and Siioe Machinery. 

Last and Pattern Makers. 

V 

Box Makers. 

Blacking Manufacturers. 

Cement Manufacturers. 

Dealers in Stoves and Housekeeping Goods. | 

Steam and Gas Pipers. ? 

Carpenters. 

Masons. 

Painters. j 

Marble Workers. 

Granite Cutters. 

Tin Ware and Junk Dealers. 

Furniture Manufacturers and Dealers. 

Carpetings. 

Dry and Fancy Goods. 

Millinery Goods. 

Jewelers. 

Tailors. 

Retail Boots and Shoes. 

G'onfectioners. 

Cigar Manufacturers. 

Taxidermists. 

Bakers. 

(h-ocers and Provision Dealers. 

Crockery and Glassware. 

Butter, Cheese and Eggs. 

Fish Dealers. ^ 

Soap Manufacturers, 
t^arriage Manufacturers. 

Harness Makers. 

Hay and Grain Dealers. 

Coal and Wood Dealers. 

Milk Dealers. 

Tee Dealers. 

Fn;E DEPARTMENT. 

lioard of Eiiiiineers. 
B.\ND. 



THE PROCESSION. 33 

Gen. Grant, Steamer No. 3. 
Fountain Hose No. 3. 
Gen. Butler, Steamer No. 4. 

Silver Grey Hose No. 4. 
Empire Steamer No. 5. 
Moll Pitcher Hose No. 2. 

P. M. Neal, Steamer No. 1. 
Monitor Hose No. 1. 
Tiger Hose No. 5. 
S. B. Breed H. & L. No. 1. 

Sagamore H. & L. No. 2. 
Coal Wagon, 
Extinguisher Wagon. 

Telegraph Wagon. 



The Headquarters of the Chief Marshal will he at the City Hall. 
Tlie General Staff will report there at 9 o'clock, A. M. 

The several Divisions will form as follows: 

First Sub-Division of First Division, consisting of Post No. 5, G. 
A. Pt., and Societies, on Essex Street, right at Johnson Street. 

Second Sub-Division, consisting of City Government and Invited 
Guests, on Johnson Street, riglit at Essex Street. 

Second Division on North Common Street, right at easterly end of 
Park. - 

First Sub-Division of Third Division, consisting of Representations 
of Trades, on South Common Street, right at easterly end of Park. 

Second Sub-Division on Central Avenue, right at Essex Street. 

The Signals to take positions, and to move, will each be one stroke 
of the Fire Alarm Telegraph; the first, at 9.30 o'clock A. m., to take 
position; the second, at 10 o'clock, to move. It is expected that the 
formation of the several Divisions will be completed by 9.50 o'clock 
A. M., at which time each Chief of Division will report by Aide to the 
Chief Marshal. 

Chiefs of Divisions will establish tliemselves at the points indicated 
for the right of their respective Divisions, and will remain or be rej)- 
rcsented there until their Division shall move. Upon taking up the 
march, each Chief will station an Aide at the rear of his Division, to 
notify the Chief of the succeeding one of the moment to move. Each 
Chief of Division will labor during the march to maintain his Divi- 
sion at the prescribed interval. He will assign an Aide to the duty of 
seeing that his Division is well closed up — said Aides to at once report 
to tlielr Chief any obstacle to the advance of any portion of his Divi- 
sion ; and if the Chief of any Division shall find that it is loosing 
distance, or becoming unduly extended, he will at oncc' coiunuuiic ato 
the fact to the Cliief Marshal. 

5 



34 LYNN: 1629 — 1879. 

As each organization arrives on the ground pi'escribed for its Divi- 
sion, its Chief will report at once to the Cliief of Division, giving the 
number of its members present. 

Any portion of the procession not ready to move in the order 
assigned, will take position in the rear of its Division. 

Carriages will form two abreast, and maintain that order during the 
mareli. 

In order to give distinction to the Divisions, the intervals between 
the same will be twenty-five yards. Chiefs of Divisions are charged 
to preserve said distance. 

The route of the procession will be througli the following streets: — 
Market, Munroe, Central Avenue, Exchange, Broad, Naliant, Balti- 
more, Atlantic, Lewis, Fayette, Mason, Chestnut, Union, Lincoln, 
Essex, Washington. Hanover, Johnson, Laighton, Franklin, AVestern 
Avenue, Market Square, North Common, Park Square, Central 
Avenue to Music Hall. 

Organizations or Delegations not especially designated above, will 
be assigned positions in the Column on reporting to the Chiefs of Divi- 
sions on the morning of the 17th. 

Shoiild an Alarm of Fire be sounded while the procession is on the 
march, the several organizations will immediately close to the right of 
the street, to allow the Fire Apparatus to pass on the left, they to 
leave tlie street occupied by the procession at the first fovorable 
opportunity. 

Citizens are requested to decorate their stores and residences situated 
upon the line of March. 

By order of 

BENJ. F. PEACH, Jr., 

Chief Marshal. 
Chas. C. Fkv, a. G. 



The mounted Police, with their air of authority and 
suggestive eijuipments, led off with becoming dignity. 

The ranks of the Military escort were full, their good 
discipline nowhere questioned, and in the glow of the 
clear sunshine they made a strikingly brilliant display. 

The various benevolent societies and other civic 
organizations, some in unique and imposing regalia, 
deservedly attracted much attention. 



THE PROCESSION. 35 

The hundred and ten "barges,"* filled with male 
and female school children of all ages and classes, 
beaming with health and jubilant in spiiit, filling the 
air with laughter and song, received marked attention 
all along the route. 

There were something above three thousand of the 
children, and a banquet was prepared for them in a 
gigantic canvas tent pitched upon the Common, where 
they joyfully assembled at the close of the long march, 
and were waited upon by gentlemen and ladies detailed 
for the agreeable service. 

The representations of trade and business, were per- 
haps less full and satisfactory than the other depart- 
ments, though some excellent exhibitions were made. 
No doubt, considering the character of our people for 
enterprise and industry, expectation had be^n raised to 
a height that could hardly fail to meet with a shade of 
disappointment. 

The Fire Department appeared to great advantage in 
their serviceable and showy uniforms, and with their 
splendid "machines" profusely decorated. Before 
joining the procession they had a voluntary parade, and 
passed in review before the Mayor and Aldermen, near 
the City Hall. At the close of the grand march thev 
had a dinner in the Engine House on Mulberry street, 
at which many guests were entertained. 

*The term "barge," as applied in Lynn to a sort of ouniibiis cairiasif 
on four wlu-els, in some instances liearino; similitnUe to the Ensjlisli van, does 
not seem just yet approved by lexicocrraplievs, liavintr lieretofore been eonflned 
to water conveyances. 



II. EXERCISES AT MUSIC HALL, 

The march of the procession terminated soon after 
mid-day, and presently the authorities and invited 
guests were escorted to Music Hall, on Central Avenue, 
which was appropriately decorated And there the fol- 
lowing exercises took place : 

1. A voluntary, by the Band. 

2. The National Hymn, "To Thee, O Country," sung by the 
Lynn Choral Union. 

3. Prayer, by Rev. John W. Lindsay, D. D. 

4. The following original Hymn, written by David N. Johnson, 
sung by the Choral Union : 

HYMN. 

Backwuril is rolling the cui-tain of Time ! 

Lo, the dear spot wliere our forefathers trod ! 
Ocean's grand anthem is pealing sublime, 

Grander the anthem of pilgrim to God ! 
Heritage dearer than tongue ever tells, 

Cherislied by thousands for childhood's sweet liour.s, 
How the heart leaps at the sound of thy bells ! 

Stillness how grateful we find in thy bowers I 

Sitting in beauty, thy feet in tlie sea, 

Mantled in billows, the hills for thy crown, 
City of Lynn, may tliy chief glory be 

Til' fame of thy sons, and thy daughters' renown. 
Manhood and Virtue shall then sit enthroned. 

Jewels more rare than encircle thy shore ; 
Bride of the ocean, with rubies enzoned. 

Honor and Worth shall exalt thee still more. 

Ruler of Nations ! still guard our fair home, 

Shining with splendors of forest and sea ; 
Dearest spot known, though the wide world we rouni. 

Dearest of all this fair land of the free ; 
Prosper the work of our hands and our heart". 

Loyal to Truth and to Right may we 1)e ; 
Building up higher than Traftic's proud marts 

Temples of Worship and Learning to Thee. 



EXERCISES AT MUSIC HALL. 37 

5. Then followed the Oration, by Cyrus M. Tracy, who was 
introduced by Mayor Sanderson. 



ORATION. 



Fellow Citizens: — 



We are come to a notable day : and if we pause and give even lai-ge 
time to its observance, we only make tit concession to the innate 
disposition of the human mind, to recognize periods, and note the 
return of cycles and of eras. For since men were on tlie earth has it 
always been thus: the Greek celebrated the new Olympiad, and the 
Chaldee hailed the reappearance of the rising star, till such observa- 
tion wrought itself into their very social being. Nay, the ancient 
was willing, not only to commemorate the grand cycles of nature in 
this wise ; but the works and deeds of his own hands also, when they 
reached a magnificence at all comparable, might have almost had a 
remembrance equally significant. Rome, for centuries, ordered her 
dates '* from the building of the city," Atliens, both annually and at 
intervals of five years, held games to celebrate the union of all her 
people in one commonwealth, and all Israel, even to this day, eats the 
sacred lamb of the Lord's Passover. And in regard to such occasions 
of great public good, tlie later nations have shown like veneration for 
tlie past; and the retribution of Guy Fawkes, and the Landing of the 
Pilgrims, both survive continually in the thankful recollection of 
the two great English-speaking peoples. 

No furtlier apology is needed for the fact that you have assembled 
hereto-day to commemorate tlie origin of this ancient community. 
For though behind us, in a municipal sense, we have not the unknown 
ages of Troy, the doubtful centuries of Rome, or even the tliousand 
years of hvunbly-contented Iceland, yet I shall be glad to show you, 
that in tlie first act of those five worthy men who laid the foundation 
of our civic being, there were wrapped up greater principles of right, 
and a better appreciation of their relations to that and succeeding 
times, tjian can be discovered in any of the time-worn institutions of 
old. No; trust me rather, that it is not for the cheer of a mere holi- 
day that you have left the woi'k half finished on the bencli, the account 
partly posted on tlie desk, the story uncompleted on the center-table. 
It is for the well-advised remembering of the first beginnings of a 
place, that, more clearly and more strikingly than most otliers, fits 
:md illustrates the theme that belongs to my present discourse — The 
Natural Growth of a Free Community. 

If I were to speak of communities of unnatural growth, 1 should 
not be misunderstood. Our own country, especially in its newer 
sections, can off'er many examples of such. A throng of adventurers 
of all kinds and (ilasses, urged l)y speculation and made fleetfoot(!d by 
the magic of the day, have poured into some startled si)ot of the 



38 lA^NN: 1629—1879. 

wilderness, as by common impulse. Within a month they have made 
a populous city ; within a year it has suft'ered for employment, and 
within a decade has been bankrupt. I need not further describe it. 
But when I speak of the natural <i:ro\vth of a community, some 
explanation is due. 

Wherever on the earth, it is found that the conditions of topo^rapliy 
and climate are so congenial as to form ready attraction for human 
dwellers, the homes there planted will grow, naturally it is true, yet 
in some sense inevitably. Excellent harbors invite commerce; tertile 
lands encourage a broad agriculture ; fine streams call for manufac- 
ture. Such settlements grow; but not necessarily by any inherent 
vigor or force of their founders. Rather because, to use a free expres- 
sion, they cannot help it. l^et me, then, exclude from the term 
natural, all such developments as, favored by nature, have been 
leather an inheritance than an achievement ; for that which can grow 
without sucli aid, and by its own inbred energies, is surely above that 
Avhich increases and advances only by reason of their possession. 

Sucli a position was, I conceive, taken by the party tljat, in some 
imdetermined summer day in 1629, first set tliat irrepressible wonder 
of the white man's foot on tlie lands of tlie ancient Saugus. Five 
well-nerved, staunch-hearted men, John Wood, William Wood. 
Edmund Ingalls, Francis Ingalls, William Dixey — all honor to their 
good and honest names — who asked Endicott at Naumkeag where 
they might go and settle, and he, says Dixey, " gave us leave to go 
where we would " — these were the few acorns from which are sprung 
this forest of oaks entwined with roses, that I see waving above and 
around me to-day. And such was the first charter of tlie old town — 
"leave to go where we would!" — It was a hint and guaranty of 
liberty in its very lispings — a testament of freedom put into the 
infant's arms, to grow with his advancing power till it passed into 
the completeness of public right by the probate of centuries. 

But the settlers of Saugus found lierc no heritage of abundance. 
The savages were friendly, but the elements more than half shut their 
hands against tliem. And thus was realized the beginning of a com- 
munity eminently natural, for here was no good liarbor for the sails of 
other seas, no fat intervals ready to burst with the sheaves of plenty, 
and if there were streams, they either ran as small brooks in the 
meadows, or toiled crookedly over the marshes, like lazy serpents, 
half asleep in the sunshine. 

But John Wood and liis mates asked no such privileges. They 
would found a community on the basis of their own strong, sound 
nature, tliat by God's blessing should grow in independence of all 
preendowment. Not that they probably desi)ised or underrated sucli 
advantages; but they plainly held it nobler to earn them for them- 
selves. For such a purpose, industry and economy must be the watcli- 
U'ords from the first; and justice, peace and U])rightness must be 



EXERCISES AT MUSIC HALL. 39 

written over every door. And so it was done. We know not, to-day, 
precisely where was that " fay re playne " on which they first had 
"peaceable possession." It was, doubtless, in the eastern section; and 
a reasonable conjecture locates it nearly upon Empire street, since the 
three wlio first built homesteads, removed to almost equal distances, 
diverging from tliat point as a center. Thus in a short time after the 
first breaking of ground, we find John Wood established at the cross- 
ing of Essex and Chestnut streets, Edmund Ingalls between the rail- 
road and the Gold Fish pond, and his brother, Francis Ingalls, on 
Burrill street in Swampscott, perhaps not far from the end of Xew 
Ocean street. 

Tliis was the beginning. The keynote was given, and the tens and 
twenties of companions who joined them the next year, and the next, 
did but follow in the same still and perfect harmony, though tliey 
spread out the borders of tlie "Third Plantation," northward to 
Lynnfield and the Lakes, and Avestward to the very boundaries of 
"Mistick." 

This, so far as time will allow, will pass for an outline of this com- 
munity, in its day of feeble birth. Feeble to appearance, it had all the 
elements of a coming strength, for it was founded in the great truths 
of justice, liberty and human brotherhood. And here let me lay down 
this one proposition, tliat from tliat day to this, the page is not in the 
record, that shows her going back from this glorious foundation. Let 
us now, advancing a single step, consider a Free Community in its 
Growing Industries, and notice how closely the idea finds expression 
in our local story. 

Naturally, such a people, finding no predominating ftxcilities in any 
direction, will cast about for every object and search for every oppor- 
tunity tliat a living industry can improve. They will not waste time 
in idle repinings, nor in eiForts as idle, to cheat nature into saying she 
lias for them what she lias not. We should find such a people seeking, 
instead, among their own talents, to find what forgotten or unknown 
thread of genius might lie there, by following which, they might 
ai'rive at Some comfort or escape some difficulty. We should find 
them, if no single industry would suffice, pushing several lesser ones 
at the same time, and with all the energy they might. The soil should 
be urged to yield, at least, all it would; the waters should deliver 
their incre.ise, and whoever were found capable of a handicraft, should 
not be allowed to hold back from its wholesome pursuit. And fur- 
ther than this, to encourage all sucii native energy the more, all 
public means, and latent material belonging to the whole, should be 
seen well and equitably distributed, so that to the extent of each one's 
power and merit, his full service sliould be secured to tlie good of the 
State. 

But, if this be a fair exposition of tlie theory in such a case, we 
shall find ic was most clearly verified and realized in tlie little com- 



40 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

munity at Saugus. They found neighbors, and such as they could not 
mingle with ; yet they nevei- denied the landed rights of the Saga- 
mores, even when, by the decay of the latter, they ran no risk by so 
doing. But conceiving their lirst idea to be justice, they fairly and 
formally bought their acres of the natives, giving them whatever in 
return was of full satisfaction. And to-day, fellow-citizens, if you 
gaze back through the vistas of two and a half centuries, with varying 
feelings of triumph or sorrow at the sight of the ghostly forms of other 
days, still shall there never, in that wan distance, loom up against 
your twilight sky the shadowy stature of the giant red man, taunting 
you witli stony eye for the children of invaders and home-robbers. 
Ratlier may you liear, coming down like a deep whisper through the 
evening forest, his sadly satisfied words, "Yes, it is theirs; they 
bought it of me fairly with much wampum, for we were brothers, and 
their children shall have peace!" 

On such a rock as this they founded an industry that was safe and 
certain. They had not liglited on land fit for the finest wheat, though 
they tried it for a time. The coarser grains did better, and roots were 
as good as in England. And if anything could add to the value of the 
wide mowings and pasturages, almost uncropped before of steed or 
heifer, it was the wonderful experience, to them, of a summer climate 
that would grow maize and pumpkins to ripeness in the open air. 
The undisturbed and sti'ongly-averaged temperatures of Britain were 
here at once exclianged for a winter that drove them to bury their 
dwellings in tlie ground like marmots, and a summer tliat showed 
almost the foliage of the tropics glistening before their very doors. 
It was new life and new stimulus. Tt was the keen air of New 
England, clearing their sight till they saw the great anchor of Hope 
square before tliem, and then lashing them behind till they caught up 
its bulk on their shoulders and went forward. 

But the earth alone was not appealed to. Farmers could not pro- 
duce everything needed, and there were no markets and no money. 
Fishery — "the Apostles' own trade," as King James had called it — 
was before them with vinreckoned plenty. In the fourth year after 
the arrival of Wood and Ingalls, Thomas Dexter had his fish-weir at 
the tide-head in Saugus River, and dried one hundred and fifty barrels 
of alewives, for sale, of which his people were catching five thousand 
per hour. Five dozen bass could be taken in the river atone tide; 
and this from April to September. Besides, we liear of shoals of 
mackerel, driven upon the beach by greater fish, and gathered by the 
people in Avheelbarrows. Notliing was neglected. Claras and 
muscles, smelts in their season, and lobsters alwnys, all went to help 
feed the colony that had no foreign dainties, and no way to reach 
them. 

The mechanic arts were no less pressed into service. Ship-building, 
that commenced so early north of Cape Ann and on the Merrimac, 



EXERCISES AT MUSIC HALL. 41 

had no chance here among the shallow landings ; but the abundant 
timber soon found a use, for Joseph Rednap, the cooper, opened and 
established such a business here in 1634, and thence to 1646, tliat his 
pipe-staves were one of the greatest commodities the town had for 
barter, Avhereby to satisfy their other need. So, also, Francis Ingalls. 
the pioneer, had already set up the first tannery in the country, on 
Humfrey's Brook ; and no doubt it did good work for a long time, 
since the vats were still there in 1825. From thence, naturally, 
Philip Kertland might have drawn his material for the earliest shoe- 
making of tlie place, which he first put on foot in 1635. The carpen- 
ters and joiners were at work, led up by Edward Tomlins, Samuel 
Bennet and Edward Richards; the blacksmiths had a first man in 
John Duncan, and the tailors the like in the brothers, Joseph and 
Godfrey Armitage. Clement Coldam was a miller, apparently in 
charge of tlie mill on Strawberry Brook ; Thomas Coldam had the 
wind-mill of John Ilumfrey on Sagamore Hill; George Keyser was 
also a miller, and may have managed the ancient "undershott" mill, 
whicli lasted for some time after its successor was built. 

I have not spoken of the remarkable enterprise of the " Iron 
Works," and for a reason somewhat dift'erent from the usual judg- 
ment in that matter. Mucli as tlie pen of history is obligated to note 
the existence of tliat undertaking, yet it is certain that it never 
identified itself with the colony at Lynn, or belonged to the story of 
its growtli in other tlian a sliglit degree. It was an English project, 
wrought in the interest of foreign capital, and as a rule, suspected or 
detested by the people around it. They saw in it only a monopoly — 
an inroad upon equal rights — and a troubler of their local prosperity. 
They attacked it witli violence, they pestered it with lawsuits, nor 
rested till tliey saw it as dead as the Cinder Banks it left for its 
monument. But every individual industry was well regarded; and 
U)) to 1750, when Jolm Adam Dagyr laid the foundation of the modern 
shoe manufacture here, tlie activity of the place liad grown and 
increased in tills multiform fashion, all doing something, Init no one 
overshadowing his fellow. After tliat time the now leading business 
came rapidly to its supremacy ; but tlie work was already done. The 
stamp of a thorough, earnest democracy was upon the place, the 
equality of all men was ingrained upon its people by their stern sense 
of justice, and the hardsliips they hiid undergone to demonstrate that 
doctrine to the world. And thus was seen the Natural Growth of n 
Free Community, in respect of its Industry, while yet it struggled for 
its being. 

Let me point you to another evidence of their stei'ling regard for 
equity, and for that equality that very often means the same thing. 
A somewhat liberal division of lands was made under the authority 
of tlie town in 1638; and of tliis we po.ssess a partial record, wliich 
shows the granting to propi-ietors, in fee simple, of nearly nine 
tliousand acres of land, in and about the settlement. But this left tlic 

<; 



42 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

whole of Nahant, and a large tract of Forest to the north, still in 
common possession by tlie town. Slight inroads only were made on 
this in favor of private right till 1706; but then the people all rose up, 
and demanded a linal division. For it could no longer be endured, 
that so large a territory should lie with no individual ownership, 
being only the common property of a corporation, even when that 
corporation consisted of themselves. And thus, in 1706, by a disin- 
terested commission, distribution was made of every acre of common 
land, giving a certain number of poles to every land-holder, for every 
penny in the valuation of his previous improvements. And by such 
an example of devotion to individual right, I am fairly introduced to 
tlie second aspect of my subject: The Growth of a Free Community, 
in its Social and Political Feeling. 

It is a good maxim, that no one knows how to command who lias 
not first learned to obey. It is quite as true that no community can 
ever realize its own freedom, till it becomes perfectly submissive to 
equitable law. For though at the start, it be essential to freedom that 
the voice of every citizen be heard in the making of the law, yet the 
law, when so made, is only the expression of every one's duty toward 
his fellow; and he who refuses obedience, denies those obligations, 
arrogates to himself a false supremacy, and makes himself a tyrant. 
And the veriest despotism is but a society full of such, in which one 
law-breaker contrives to overtop and dominate all the others. Again, 
a community thus freely growing in the understanding of private 
rights, will, be jealous of those rights and ready for their defence. It 
will show a patriotism of a liigh order: not such as in one nation 
rallies to protect the person of the king, nor in another, that idolizes 
tlie nation's glory, nor even in a third, draws sword for its native 
soil; but that which strikes instead for the equal protection and un- 
fettered happiness of every soul. Such a spirit, not of insubordina- 
tion, but of continual rectification of the social forces — will work 
instantly and ever, both outwardly, toward all other communities and 
powers, and inwardly, to regubite :ind lead forward its own domestic 
development. 

Examining, in this light, the home of our lieloved ancestry, we 
turn a proud page indeed in her history. William Dixey, one of the 
five pioneers, had lieen a servant in the family of Isaac Johnson, at 
Salem ; and after the arrivals of 1630 there were always a few families 
at Lynn able to keep servants of their own; yet the feeling seems 
clearly to liave always been, that much of this second-class life was 
not for the general good. For though there is not a great deal said 
directly to the point, the record sliows such a large shai'ing of the 
public benefits and obligations, — as thougli every one liere came into 
the riickoning, — that we cannot help concluding that the ruling senti- 
ment was. that every one should take hold and help himself, and 
there should be no masters and no servants. And this theory is 
almost the only one that exiilaiiis the tact. th:it nearly all the really 



EXERCISES AT MUSIC HALL. 43 

aristocratic families who ever came here, had left, from disgust or 
disatfection, before the time of the Revolution, and returned to Eng- 
land or gone to other towns. 

The same statement will apply, and still more strongly, to the 
institution of slavery. Our fathers were no wiser nor better than 
other men of their day ; they had not fully learned the equal humanity 
of blacks and savages with themselves. Therefore, when, in 1638. 
some negroes were brought here from Barbadoes, bought there in 
excliange for Pequot captives, it is not strange that a few found 
quarters in Lynn. But perhaps the institution never fell upon more 
uncongenial soil. It had no encouragement, no slave element ever grew 
up, and when at length, the emancipation of 1780 overtook them, it 
found but twenty-six here, man and boy, out of a population of t-\vo 
thousand. Why it was so, is well hinted in the fact that John Basset t 
freed his man Samson in 1776, because, says his deed, "all nations 
are made of one blood." It is well hinted in the firm decision of 
Hannah Perkins (whose memory be blessed of God) wl»o, in 1745, 
refused to marry Joshua Cheever, till he promised that his slave 
should be free at the age of twenty-five years. Indeed, so completely, 
at last, was this condition considered an unfortunate accident, that 
the last survivor of that class, Hannibal Lewis, who was libei'aterl 
about the time of the Revolution, became at once a recognized citizen, 
a holder of real estate, and the worthy and respected sexton of the 
Old Tunnel Cliurch for a long period. 

Were I occupied with a history instead, I might adduce the works 
and words of later years to show this spirit of freedom as strong in 
the children as in tlie fathers; but the record of the newer Lynn is 
legibly before the world. It is rather my care to show that the 
fiithers laid this good foundation and laid it by design ; that tlie 
cliildren fed upon liberty, even at the mother's breast. For of all 
places on earth there is none w^here oppression of all kinds has been, 
from the first, more bitterly hated than here, and to this even Ban- 
nockburn and Geneva oft'er no exceptions. I have spoken of intei-nal 
policy; let me turn to tlie settlement shown by Lynn in connection 
with other colonies. 

Having definitely taken her position with three members, in the 
new House of Representatives of 1634, we do not find her called upon 
to ratify the general compact in any ])ublic manner till the Pequot 
War in the second and third years after. They then put twenty-one 
men into the field ; regarding the savages, not as they did the Indians 
around their own doors, but as a hostile people and a common enemy. 
Yet in the bloody massacre of the tribe of Sassacus, in 1637, we must 
feel a satisfaction in knowing tliat the men of Lynn were not there, 
and had no share in tliat deep atrocity. Nor do we hear of their being 
involved in any of tlie deeds of miscalled valor of that time. But 
when, in 1388, the despotic Andros iiad made himself hateful to all 



44 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

New England, tlieir OAvn cup of endurance ran over when he at- 
tempted to bestow the whole of Naliant on his creature Randolph for 
a barony. Then they spent a year in courteous remonstrance, failing 
in which, tliey rose up on that wonderfully memorable day, the 19th 
of April, and followed stout old Parson Shepard to Boston, joined by 
the people of other towns, "mad and savage," said Randolph, " as so 
many wild bears." The rest is written. Andros went down, and dis- 
appeared ; but Nahant, in its sweet summer beauty, is ours to-day as 
it was our fathers, and nobody's barony yet, thank Heaven. 

After this, a long interval of quiet occurred, in which, however, 
tliat feai'ful storm was brewing which burst in the Revolution. We 
hear of the people of Lynn first in 1766, ringing tlie bells and making 
bonfires to celebrate the repeal of the Stamp Act. From this, in full 
sympathy Avitli their neighbors of Boston, they nursed their anger till 
1771, when the odious tea-tax was met by them with resolutions of a 
high retaliative spirit. This was followed up by expressions more 
and more intensified, till in 1773, after the Tea Party in Boston, the 
town meeting passed yet more vigorous resolves on the subject ; and 
soon after, a company of determined women went to the store of Jas. 
Bowler on Water Hill, demanded what tea he had in his possession, 
and scattered it as eft'ectually as had their disguised compatriots. All 
through the next year the Old Tunnel rung with denunciations o f 
British tyranny ; and when Gov. Gage betrayed the General Court at 
Salem, and it transformed itself into that unknown Avonder, an 
American Congress, two of the resolute men of Lynn, Ebenezer 
Burrill and Jolm Mansfield, were found firmly seated among its num- 
ber. Then came 1775, the year of terror; when on the same mysteri- 
ous 19th of April, Abednego Ramsdell was seen shooting over the 
Common like a blood-red comet of patriot fury, dashing on with the 
throng that ran to Lexington, to mingle there the life-stream of his 
devotion with those of Daniel Townsend, William Flint and Thomas 
Hadley, while Lynn stood listening behind tliem, grinding her teeth 
as she trembled. How many of her sons were there, she knows not 
to-day ; she is sure of Harris Chadwell, Ephraim Breed and Timothy 
Munroe, and doubts not of many more as valiant for the right as 
they. 

Then, indeed, was the free blood of the Third Plantation driven up 
to boiling heat. Here, on one side, was a Committee of Safety, made 
up of Parson Treadwell, Parson Roby and Deacon Daniel Mansfield^ 
Yonder was the Alarm Company, vinder Harris Chadwell, ready to 
spring to the front at tlie drum-beat, rallying all to the old tavern of 
Increase Newhall at Water Hill. At one moment Ave see the singular 
spectacle ot Parson Treadwell, carrying his musket loaded into tlie 
pulpit ; at tlie next, we hear the sentinels calling, as they make the 
night patrol at NcAvhalPs Landing, Axey's Point, and Sagamore Hill. 
And then comes that decisive hour — one hundred and four years ago 



EXERCISES AT MUSIC HALL. 45 

this day — when John MansfieJd is ordered to march his regiment of 
Lynn men up to the rail fence on Bunker Hill, face to face with the 
veterans of Howe and Pitcairn, while at home Joseph Fuller says to 
Theophilus Breed, with quivering voice, " Do thee hear those guns at 
Charlestown? And do thee know this is the dreadfuUest day that 
ever America saw?" 

I will not multiply examples of this free, whole-hearted patriotism. 
I will leave it on the record, fearing no disproof and dreading no 
denial, that as Lynn stood in those days of test and trial, so she has 
ever stood, and hy the Lord's favor ever will, a fortress for the right, 
a refuge for the oppressed, ready always to preach the rights of 
humanity in her schools and her sanctuaries, and defend them, if 
need be, to the extent of her treasure and her blood. I might lill my 
whole space with iteration of her strokes for liberty, from the day 
when, on her watch tower of High Rock, she wrung her hands over 
the lost Chesapeake, down to that mysterious 19th of April, 1861, 
%vhen she threw two hundred men, in one living meteor of holy 
wrath, from Faneuil Hall to Washington, to blaze and quiver there 
like the phosphor-star for the rallying of tlie hosts of everlasting 
right. But you know I cannot stay for this. I must pass on. 

In the Natural Gi'owth of a Free Community we shall always find 
another feature. There will be a high and generous Toleration of 
Religious Opinion. 

It is inborn in every man, I suppose, to desire complete freedom of 
belief in regard to tliose things that must finally concern hiiu and him 
only. But where a community is intelligently founded on the prin- 
ciples of equitable justice and individual right, two conclusions from 
this will become speedll3^ obvious. First, that all the freedom the 
citizen desires for himself he must guarantee to his neighbor. Second, 
that any attempt to enforce a contrary policy will surely recoil upon 
its makers, and finally lead to the worst of public and private in- 
security. 

Applying these thoughts, there is no particular evidence of early 
dissension here from the average Puritan faith. The settlei's were men 
who feared God, and were content to worship him as they had been 
taught. The first instance of religious hardship in the place seems to 
have been the visit of the three Baptists, Holmes, Clark and Crandall, 
to the house of William Witter, in 1651. These men were certainly 
arrested, and very harshly treated; but the punishment wsis done at 
Boston, and the movement seems to have originated wholly with 
Robert Bridges, who was not only a great politician, ambitious and 
-domineering, but as little identified with tlie real people of Lynn, in 
feelings and interests, as uny man to be named. A much better sign 
of the liberal feeling in the general mind is shown by the fact that 
Witter and his Baptist friends continued to thrive and increase in 
spite of the repeated prosecutions brought in the Court at Salem. 



46 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

After this, the next test meets us in the Witclicraft Delusion of 1692. 
Had the spirit of bigotry and intolerance ruled here as in sonie other 
places, the consequences must have been far greater tlian we find- 
For only seven persons seem to have been accused here (six, or five, 
is more likely,) none suff"ered more than some seven months' imprison- 
ment, and no one was executed. And it has been asserted, that when 
some foolish one thought to "cry out" against Parson Shepard him- 
self, the people so reprobated the notion that it went far to break up 
the whole madness. And certainly after that, there was no more 
Avitchcraft complained of at Lynn, that we can hear -of. If we now 
look back a little, we shall find Zaccheus Gould dealt with for enter- 
taining Quakers, in 1656, but wholly at tlie instance of the Court and 
Magistrates, and with little or no sympathy from the people; and 
coming down from that early time, we see that worthy society 
steadily holding its place here, despite all the thunder of the govern- 
ment against it. Yet it was not from special favors to Quakers, but 
for the rights of all. When Whitelield asked for the church to preach 
in, in 1745, and Mr. Henchman refused, the people said yes instead ; 
and made him a platform with Theophilus IlalloAvell's barn-doors, 
close by where their sons have set up that classic monument to the 
same spirit of liberty. Again, the people decreed in 1791, that Jesse 
Lee should be lieard, and it made little difference whetlier the "stand- 
ing order" would or not. And to-day, witness the result, in yonder 
tall spire raising its mute thankfulness to Heaven, in peaceful toler- 
ance with its immediate neighbors, the English Establishment, the 
once pilloried sons of Roger Williams, and the rock-fovmded priest- 
liood of the Thirteenth Leo. 

Thus it has always been in tlie Tliird Plantation. I do but spar- 
ingly illustrate, not recite in detail. But as I have already said, there 
is no page in the record to show this as a place of j-eligious severity, 
much less of persecution. Strange indeed, had it been otherwise! 
Strange indeed, if the people who laid fifty-six lives on the altar of 
liberty in 1776, and denounced the Fugitive Slave Law by all their 
political parties in 1850, had ever been found willing to bar each 
other's unfettered way into the Kingdom of Heaven. 

By these diverse, tliough only ])artial views, I have sought to form 
as good a portraiture of tliis ancient settlement as my time and space 
will allow. Perhaps it is enough. Perhaps you see it as 1 do, a 
small, but sound community of earnest men, growing slowly, but 
naturally, not by sudden acquisition of wealth, but by the ac•(a•etion^: 
and developments of an assiduous industry. No pleasure-voyage was 
it to tliosc old time strivers, not even to William Wood, who pub- 
lished the first map of New England, and tlie first book on her pros- 
pects, witliin six years from his settling at I^ynn. No, think of the 
difficulties about them! Frail habitations, wretched roads, poor navi- 
gation, ill-made equipments, want of markets — these were on one 



EXERCISES AT MUSIC HALL. 47 

hand, and over against them, savage neighbors, unknown diseases, 
ferot'ious beasts, and ocean before them, rolling always its dark and 
eternal prohibition — and yet they stood day after day, their shoulder 
to the wheel, their hand upon the gun, the Bible open before them, 
and in their mouth the lofty rhyme of the ancient psalm : 

" To Zion's Hill lift mine eyes, from thence is all mine aid ; 

From Zion's Hill and Zion's God, who heaven and earth hath made ! " 

Yet were they indeed, toiling utterly and alone, and was there no 
light visible save that struck out by their exertions? Not at all. All 
round them was a world in full activity; and whether they knew it 
or not, the vast triumphal march of human improvement went on and 
on. Those were the days of the stern Cromwell and the giddy 
Charles ; of James driven out from his country and his throne, and of 
William, broiight home from abroad to occupy both. They were the 
days of Milton and Dryden and Pope, of Bunyan and Berkeley and 
Wesley, of Johnson and Hume, of Newton and Locke. The world 
was indeed moving. Cervantes wrote, and Lope de Vega sung, and 
Murillo painted; Kepler and Grotius, Leibnitz and Linneus, Descartes 
and Rousseau — these were the stars that gemmed the firmament, 
while the humble founders of this scai"ce-noted place were helping 
quietly to the final building of the Temple of Liberty under such 
hands as Washington and Franklin, with shoutings of "Grace, grace 
unto it !" 

Look abroad for a moment where I point you, over that abyss of 
western waters, whose unhastening surges knock gently at the Golden 
Gate, and then roll back to lose themselves on the fiowery shores of 
rTapan and tlie fabled Formosa — see wlierein those placid deeps there 
grows uj), softly and silently, a living rock from the pavement of 
ocean — throbbing witji multitudinous life, yet with one tendency 
alone, one faith continually, one destiny for all — upward — upward — 
believing in the light and joy above, and ever toiling up to it! See it 
go on, till at last its surface breaks througli the green sparkles of the 
Pacific waves, and crimson seaweeds come to plume its triumph! See 
where the white sand gathers round its mystic ring, where the pearly 
shells wash up like drifting rainbows, and the green palm nods its 
feathery majesty to the occidental gales; while the swart native, astray 
in his frail bark, pauses, with slow stroke loitering along the beach- 
side, and softly saying to himself, like Thorwald, the Norseman, 
" Here it is beautiful, and here I should like to fix my dwelling!" 

And such, my fellow citizens, even as the growth of the island of 
coral, has been the building of our civic community. Not like a clan 
of spent warriors dropped from the rear-guard of sonie rushing con- 
<lueror, not like the emissaries of distant wealth, bringing here the 
projects of ambition and working them out in golden texture — but 
tlie patient toilers in the fear of the Lord, striving to realize for 



18 LYNN: 1629 — 1879. 

themselves and their children the ideal of home, the practice of virtue, 
the being of truth, the adoration of justice, the love of eternal mercy! 
Did they succeed! Did they not, in their silent, unknown toilings, 
leave a leaven in the very air, that makes us, their children, strong, 
clear and resolute for the upholding of the Image of God in man, for 
the baring of the sword of Investigation against Ignorance, for the 
dinging out of the standard of Equity and Right, to float over the 
wreck of Despotism forever and ever? 

Noble men and women of old! Glorious example in history, re- 
splendent in the simplicity of its virtue, that gilds its humility like 
sunrise glancing on a wreath of violets. 

Go home from this place, children of the Third Plantation, and be- 
fore you rest this night, fail not to thank God for that excellent privi- 
lege, j^our descent from an earnest, industrious, prudent, and above 
all, a free-headed and free-hearted New England ancestry. 

6. At the close of the Oration, the Hymn " America" was sung 
l)y the Choi'al Union, with a band accompaniment, the audience join- 
ing, by invitation. 

Thus closed the exercises at Music Hall. 



III. THE BANQUET. 

A procession of the city authorities and invited 
guests, in number about three hundred, was formed on 
the conclusion of the exercises at Music Hall, and, es- 
corted by a band, proceeded to Odd Fellows' Hall, on 
Market street, which was tastefully adorned with flags 
and a variety of appropriate insignia, not to mention 
the profuse floral decorations of the tables. And there 
the Banquet was held. 



THE BANQUET. 49 

For the benefit especially of those in future years, 
who may be curious to know something about the gas- 
tronomic proclivities and indulgencies of this, our da}-, 
we append a copy of the Bill of Fare : 

BILL OF FARE AT THE BANQUET. 

ROAST : 

Turkey. Chicken. Beef. Roast Pig. 

BOILED : 

Boilert Salmon and Green Peas. 

COLD : 

Ham. Tongne. 

EXTKKKS : 
Chicken Sahid. Lobster Salad. 

Early Vegetables. 

Halford and Worcestershire Sauce. 

French Mustard. Spanish Olives. Tomatoes. 

Cucumbers and Pickles. 

Frozen Pudding. Roman Punch. 

Orange, Lemon and Raspberry Sherbet. 

ICE CKEAM : 
Lemon, Strawberry, Pineapple, Vanilla, Chocolate. 

Tea and Coffee. French Rolls. 

CAKE : 
Ladie-s. Almond. Currant. Pound. 

Citron. Variegated. 

Cocoanut Cakes. Maccaroons. Fancy Cake. 

FRIIT : 
Oranges. Bananas. Figs. 

Xuts and Raisins. 

No intoxicating liquors were provided ; ;iiid hence 
the cordial manifestation of good fellowship and tlie 



50 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

overflow of spirits every moment exhibited, could not 
be attributed to the influence of the overflowing bowl, 
to say nothing concerning the excellent example. 

The Divine blessing was invoked by Rev. Mr. Biddle, 
minister of the First Universalist Church, and then an 
hour was devoted to supplying the demands of appetite, 
sharpened, no doubt, in many cases, by the long march. 

The gastronomic duties having been faithfully at- 
tended to, the remainder of the time was devoted to 
what must be called the literary exercises ; these being 
inaugurated by Mayor Sanderson in the following 
address : 

ADDRESS OF MAYOR SANDERSON. 

Guefits of Ijynn and Citiztns of Lyiui : 

It is witli unfeigned pleasvire I embrace this opportunity to extend, 
on bel):ilf of tliis munieipalit3% a cordial welcome to the honorable gen- 
tlemen who have been pleased to grace this occasion and this table 
Avith their presence. To-day marks the first official recognition of 
that epocli tliat was laden with so much of interest and importance to 
us as a people. Tlie germ of republican lilierty first found root under 
the grateful sliade of the log cabin of the early settler, and it is fitting 
that, on the 850tli anniversary of tlie settlement of this section of our 
State, there should gather here not only the honored representatives of 
the glorious old Commonwealth we love so well, but also representa- 
tives of the sister cities of the goodly county of Essex, bright jewel in 
the ci-own of the old Bay State. We greet also with maternal fond- 
ness this bevy of daughters whose interwining arms stretch from 
shore to sliore in an embrace of love and affec^tion. To-day we have 
been privileged to listen to tlie eloquent recital, which has taken us 
back to the distant day that marks tlie beginning of the contiict, and 
step by step we have trod the rugged path of the founders of our 
liberty. We may well rest, and gatlier from tlie lessons of the {)ast 
that wisdom and courage so necessai-y to guide us safely through the 
great transition jieriod in our history, (iovernment founded on the 
will of the people will prosper, become strong and mighty, just in 
proportion as individual rights are respected and tlie advantages of 
education are enjoyed liy the masses. State and municipal govern- 



THE BANQUET. 51 

ments are subject to the same conditions that determine national 
prosperity, and it is of prime importance to us as a people and as a 
municipality that we willingly bear a share of the burden of the day. 
ever striving to cultivate friendly relations, to the end that we may 
be prepared to gather the fruit of peaceful industry, and leave a 
record that fifty years hence our children will not blush to recall. 
Again, extending a cordial and hearty greeting, I present the official 
compliments of the city to the friends and citizens who have con- 
tributed so muith to make this an occasion long to be remembered. 



The Toast-Master, Hon. Nathan M. Hawkes, was 
then introduced by the Mayor, and entered upon his 
duties with the following remarks : 



REMARKS OF HON. N. M. HAWKES, 

I should consider myself derelict in duty, wanting in reverence for 
the memory of the Fathers, if I, the descendant of one of the first 
settlers of Lynn, failed to respond to any call made upon me by the 
authorities on this occasion, even if Lynn had no other claim upon 
me. His Honor the Mayor has deemed it proper to assign me the 
part, if I may use the expression, of uncorking the wine of eloquence 
that is to flow bountifully at our literary feast. You are all too 
familiar with my voice to care to hear much from me save the formal 
presentation of those who are to address you. It is my province to 
keep the floor so occupied that you may be entertained, and even in- 
structed. It may not be amiss for me to ask your careful attention to 
this portion of the Day's exercises — for you are making History — 
you are celebrating what will ever be a marked and important event 
in our good city. Everything, thus far, has been so auspicious, that 
even the sceptical who predicted failure, regret that they have had no 
share in the work of demonstrating to the woi'ld that the sons of the 
town of Lynn, even after two hundred and fifty years, appreciate tlie 
priceless heritage that comes to us from the Puritan Fathers. And may 
I venture the prediction that hereafter it will be a matter of regret to 
whoever of our citizens may iiave neglected to add his mite to the 
sum of the contributions that make this celebration a success. Tliis 
day marks not alone our filial devotion to tlie Fathers, it shows to our 
visitors and to the world the good or ill use we have made of the 
talent entrusted to us. The Puritan stock was sturdy and strong. 
Who dares say, after viewing Lynn iipon this fair June day, that the 
sons have not bravely carried on the work given them to do from 
generation to generation. 



53 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

The following was given as the first Regular Toast : 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Our fathers left their old 
liomes across the ocean to found in the new world an ideal common- 
wealth. The Puritan seed has proved its strenicth, for after two 
hundred and fifty years Massachusetts is still Puritan, and is the ideal 
community of civilization. 

This was followed by a few apt prefatory words, 
and the reading of a letter from Governor Talbot. 



GOVERNOR TALBOT'S LETTER. 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 'i 

Executive Department. > 

Boston, June 10, 1879. ) 

To His Honor Oeorye P. Sanderson, Mayor of Lynn : 

Dear Sir, — 1 am in receipt of your invitation to participate in the 
celebration, on the 17th inst., of the 250th anniversary of the settle- 
ment of Lynn. Were it possible, I should take great pleasure in 
joining the descendants of Ingalls, the Breeds, the Newhalls, the 
Bakers, tlie Dexters, and all other lionored and ancient families of Lynn, 
and especially the great company of the successoi's of Thomas Beard, 
the first Massachusetts shoemaker, in paying grateful tribute to the 
virtues and good works of their ancestors. The Commonwealth will 
be worthily represented among you in the person of His Honor 
Lieutenant Governor Long. For my part, I am called from the State 
by legal business, and can only assure you of my regret that I cannot 
participate in so notable a celebration, and personally congratulate 
you on the success with which it is sure to be ci-owned. 



Very truly yours, 



Thomas Talbot. 



Mr. Hawkes then introduced Lieut. Governor Long, 
remarking — 

Now, gentlemen, I suppose I should say I regret the absence of His 
Excellency, the Governor. So I do. But in his absence it will be my 
pleasure to inti'oduce a gentleman wliom I know you will all be de- 
lighted to liear. You will remember that in the early days of Lynn 
there was a gentleman who represented Lynn in the Genei'al Court 
for twenty-two years. He was Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives for ten years, and was compared with Mr. Speaker Onslow of 



THE BANQUET. 53 

the British House of Commons, — the most distinguished parliament- 
arian that England has ever known. He was known as the "Beloved 
Speaker," John Burrill, of Lynn. Now, in later days since that time, 
I know of no man in Massachusetts who has better deserved 
the appellation of the "Beloved Speaker," who has endeared himself 
more to the people of Massachusetts, than the gentleman I shall pre- 
sent, who first achieved distinction in the House of Representatives. 
It is now my privilege to introduce to you His Honor, Lieutenant 
Governor John D. Long. 

Thus introduced, the Lieutenant Governor spoke as 
follows : 



Address of Lieutenant Governor Long. 

I am very much gratified indeed, Mr. Mayor and Mr. Toast-Master, 
ladies and gentlemen, for this very kind reception, although I know 
you have extended it to me officially and not to me in my private 
personal character. I am very sure of that, for I read in the admir- 
able Centennial Memorial which Mr. Newhall prepared, and which 
was given me a year or two ago by my friend Mr. Walden, that in 
1808, when your first lawyer set foot in Lynn, a very respectable dele- 
gation of your citizens waited upon him and said tliat while they had 
great respect for him personally, they had lived in peace in Lynn for 
nearly two hundred years, and they did not think that a Lawyer would 
add anything to the quiet of the neighborhood; and therefore they 
very kindly but firmly insisted upon his moving on. And he, being 
like all other good lawyers, a man of rare good sense, took 
the hint and followed the suggestion. I trust that Lynn pre- 
serves and always will preserve the reputation and character of a 
community so intent upon its business, so considerate of the equal 
rights of all its citizens, so abundantly ready and able to take care of 
itself and preserve its own law and order within its own limits, that 
it will never require the sei-vices of an attorney', or even of a political 
magistrate, unless it be upon some such delightful, pleasant, social 
festivity of a common citizenship as this. It looks very well indeed 
that your clergymen in this city still outnumber the lawyers two to 
one ; which may argue either that you have twice as much Christianity 
as you have litigation — which is very good — or else that one lawyer 
is as good as two parsons, which I am perfectly willing to admit, 
altliough I do not know whetJier my clerical friends will agree to it 
or not. 

It is said, also, as I find — familiar too as I have always been with 
the fact, — that tliis is tlie most industrious and tlirifty community in 
the world ; and that this is due to two circumstances in your early 



54 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

history. One, that in 1644 — you see, Mr. Newliall, I have been fol- 
lowing you pretty carefully — in 1644 two of your citizens were pre- 
sented to tlie Grand Jury for being common sleepers wlien everybody 
else was busy; and the otlier, that in 1750 I think, as your Honor in- 
formed us to-day — and seriously it sliows wliat great events result 
from the vei-y slightest accidents of location — there came into tliis 
locality a Welsli shoemaker, and a very successful one, too, by the 
name of John Adam Dagyr, who settled here and who began that busi- 
ness wliich, since then, has become your prosperity, your pride and your 
pleasure, and which in 1875, as I understand, produced more than ten 
millions pairs of slioes, — an item whicli cannot be calculated or con- 
ceived of unless you reflect upon the fact that it is more than one" 
fourth of the population, men, women and children, of the United 
States, and worth, as we are informed, more than $12,500,000, which 
is a great deal more, certainly, than I and my fellow members of 
tlie Council represent at this Board. 

Responding, Mr. Mayor, for the old Commonwealth on this glorious 
day in your history — and I love to think that your history is only a 
fair representation of Massachusetts history itself — on this two liun- 
dred and fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of 1-iynn, the thought 
that presses upon me is that it is just here in just such a city as this, 
in just sucli a busy centre of active enterprise, such a centre of activity 
and population, it is in just such a place as this that the institutions 
of Massachusetts, our republican idea, our fundamental principle of 
local self-government is going to be fairly tried and put to the test. 
In our sparse towns, in our rural and agricultural districts, the 
experiment means nothing, for tliese run themselves. But in a great 
metropolitan city, where power is concentrated, where executive force 
is organized and systematized to the very utmost, the experiment 
can be tried indeed. Nowhere probably so well can it be tried as 
in this and similar cities in tlieir transition state from great towns 
to large cities, where the population is dense; where tlie people arc 
devoted to some single special branch of industry with its divisions 
and sub-divisions of labor; where there is practically a pure and free 
democracy; where your police department, efficient as it is, is not 
specially emphasized; where your treasury is at the risk of a simple, 
unbiased and uncontrolled public vote, tvhere government itself, life, 
property, peace and order, rest simply ujjou the average sense and 
the average honesty of the community. 

For uiyself, I am glad to believe that the result is one in every case 
which should give us confidence in our system, confidence in tlie 
policy here in America of enfranchisement, generosity and emancipa- 
tion ; conlidcnce that in the long run the popular heart, though with 
a lluttei- now and then, will at last, and always, i-cach the truth. No 
man has more faith in higher education than I have. But friends, T 
do sometimes lose heart when T see how little the mere education of 



THE BANQUET.' 55 

the schools and tlie books brings to its possessor or enables him to 
bring to the world, even if indeed it does not often happen that he 
simjily contentedly stands aside because he does not succeed at once, 
and thinks that the world should open a way for him ratlier than that 
he should open a way for himself by his own exertion. And in this 
respect I honor — for that is what I was coming to, suggested by this 
gathering on this day — I honor that education which is the education 
of an industry that in the very act of opening up its own way and its 
(jwn path, teaches as nothing else can teach how to feel the value of a 
hel])iug hand, the encouragement of a kind word, the necessity of all 
working together for the public good and the mutual dependence of 
men upon one another. I find as I read the history of your city that 
there is indeed no lack of learned men trained in the schools, educated 
to the very highest degree like so many other noble men in Maassa- 
chusetts, who have lived honorable, useful and noble lives. I have 
too much respect for the highest, purest and loftiest education ever to 
forget those noble men in Massachusetts who have been scholars in 
literature, in politics, in peace and war, and who as physicians, as 
clergymen, as lawyers, as scientific men, as applying science to the 
ordinary affairs of daily life, have been great benefactors. But know- 
ing that this is a government of the people, the masses, the working- 
masses, of the great body of the people, it is comforting when you do 
lind — if I may be allowed to say it — that so many of your leaders, 
so many of your past mayors, so many of your men who have brought 
honor and usefulness to this community, have been men whose noble 
education Inis been obtained through devoted, straightforward indus- 
try, and the success of whose lives has been the best proof of the 
mutual, common, equal advantage of the privileges of the American 
citizen, and is tlie best answer to that false outcry which would create 
jealousy and arraign men against one another, as though there were 
any distinction among us except that of patient, honest, sober, 
straightforward industry. 

Mr. President, I hope that this education may go on in behalf of 
the old Commonwealth whic-h is so dear to us, a Commonwealth 
more than half of whose population — startling as tliat fact is — more 
than half of whose population is in her nineteen cities, one of the 
oldest and largest of whic-h you are. I pray in belialf of the Com- 
nronwealth that slie may look to these cities, that she may look to you, 
tliat slie may appeal to the great masses of your population surrounded 
as you are witli these evidences of culture, of opportunity, of school 
and church and home, tliat she may look to those of you who guide 
public opinion and direct public aftairs, that she may look to your 
men of wealth, to your employers of labor, to your skillful artisans 
and mechanics, to all men and all women — all eciual, remember-, in 
tlieir opportunities and their rights, and also all equal in their duties 
and their obligations— that she may look to them and find them 
never failing in standing for the right, in standing with sober, honest 



56 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

purpose for high and honorable conduct, for the respect of life and 
liberty, for the united harmony and sympathy of a common christian 
brotherhood. I could utter one word for the Commonwealth that 
you pi-ofess to love, so much ; this is the word I would say to you : 
that her honor and her destiny rest down simply upon you here in 
this city. If she is to be a failure in the future it is your failure. If 
it is a dream it is your dream. In the language of your toast we ought 
to lift ourselves above the material region, valuable and important as 
that is, and sometimes rise to that finer, ideal thing whicli you have 
denominated the Commonwealth, and which we may also denominate 
modern civilization, which after all is individual, personal duty to 
our conscience, — individual personal duty to God. 

Mr. President, I am very much obliged, for myself and for my 
associates, for the very pleasant day you have furnislied us and for 
your kindness in this invitation. We have enjoyed it all from first to 
:ast; the beautiful day, the fine procession, your streets all alive with 
happy fiices, the delightful ride about your city where we liave seen 
everywhere tliose evidences of thrift and happy home. I will only 
say : may two hundred and fifty years more of honor and prosperity 
crown your good old city; may your people still remain noble, pros- 
perous, generous ; and at the close of that long period I trust that 
still another anniversary will be celebrated, and that we shall all be 
there to engage in it. 

The next sentiment was : 

The Day we Celebrate — After the march of two hundred and fifty 
years we rest to-day to rear the stone that marks the first quarter of a 
thousand years' journey. 

To this, Charles E. Kimball, President of the Com- 
mon Council, responded in these words : 

Address of President Kimball. 

Mr. President and Toast-Masler : I could wish the duty of respond- 
ing to the sentiment you oft'er liad fallen to more eloquent lips than 
mine. In the few moments allotted me, I sliall not be expected to 
enter into the historic detail of our city's life ior the past two hun- 
dred and fifty years. To other liands that duty was assigned, and 
most admirably has it been performed. 

On this day it is appropriate that the sons of Lynn should gather to 
exchange congratulations, and rejoice together around this festive 
board : that the government they ordained should voice their will by 
orticial recognition of tliis anniversary. We commemorate epodis. 



THE BANQUET. 57 

and thus it is amoii^i? every people. We commemorate tlie day that 
gave to our nation and tlie world, one of the wisest, purest and most 
patriotic of men. We make tliat a gala' day, a day of days in the 
political calendar, which saw us spring from a few weak scattered 
colonies into the arena of nations. Appropriate that the morning be 
ushered in with the ringing of ])ells; that ensign and banner float 
from dome and flag staft"; that music and song fill tlie air, and the day 
expire amid bonfires and illuminations. 

Fitting that the people in representative form move in the line of 
that long procession, giving thereby recognition and prominence to 
a government of their own founding, whose principles have guided 
our municipality so long and well ; that the industries of Lynn, which 
Jiave enlarged and developed, growing with tlie years until, in our 
special line, we stand in the foremost rank of tlie world, peerles.s 
among cities, writing across our banner "Dirigo," that our phi lan- 
tropliic and social organizations whose hands of charity and kindly 
greetings are more numerous than our years; tliat tliose in whose 
liands we liave placed so large a measure of oui- material interest to 
guard while we sleep, fitting all these should be found in the proces- 
sion to day; that on this, Lynn's festal day, we sliould bring out to 
the gaze of kindred and stranger, lier most beautiful and valued 
jewels, -her children, who are soon to stand where we now stand, and 
as our hands grow weary and the burden falls from them, they shall 
take up that burden, carrying it on, and on, generation after genera- 
tion, througli the centuries to come, until the far oft" generation shall 
celebrate another anniversary, when the second quarter of a thousand 
years shall have been reached. 

Fitting that tlie citizen soldiery, who, by their sacrifice and devo- 
tion, patriotism and valor, maintained and perpetuated our civic 
institutions, under whose sheltering care sucli bountiful prosperity 
has been realized, that they not only have a place liere, but be awarded 
the post of honor. 

It was on the plains of Egypt, the morning of the battle of the 
Pyramids, as Napoleon rode down his lines, he exclaimed, "Forty 
centuries look down upon you to-day." If two and one half centuries 
look down upon us. we can also look back upon them, and par- 
tially measure what those centuries have wrought. Out of tlie womb 
of the t-enturies conies forth civilization, out of civilization, power. 

Wc stnnd to-day mid-way the third century; two hundred and fifty 
years lie behind us, before, illimitMblc possibilities. From behind 
these centuries crowd us with all the force of that con.scious, yet un- 
definable power we call civilization. It was the power that nerved 
the arm of the pioneers of Lynn, liefore whose blows the forests 
that skirted our buy disappeared like straws in the candle's 
flame It drove the ahoriuine from his liome. and exiled liim 

8 



58 LYNN: 1629 — 1879. 

from liis hunting ground to make room for a loftier type of man, and 
a better condition of things, rearing the palatial residence of civilized 
man where the Indian wigwam stood. It has overturned the little 
school house by the roadside, and raised the beautiful and capacious 
structures that adorn our city for educational purposes, both the joy 
and pride of Lynn. It has buried amid the rubbish of the past, the 
stage-coach that in the olden time rolled along the turnpike, convey- 
ing messages of business and love, and now forces the battle between 
lightning and steam. It has pressed into the service of man the 
forces of nature to economize his nerve power. 

Down in the basement of the manufactories that lie along our 
streets, above the glow of the coals, "sleeps a pent up Utica." The 
hissing of the steam is a proclamation. Every stroke of the piston, 
every revolution of the wheel chants for humanity a higher exalta- 
tion. It is the achievement of the centuries, the triumph of the ages, 
the ennobling of man and the bettering of his condition. 

Each annual cycle has swung more widely open the door of oppor- 
tunity. It made it possible for one hundred thousand volumes to go 
out from our library annually, circulating among the people. Borne 
on the tide of these centuries, the few have become many, and those 
clearings in the forests, a' broad city, filled with laborious activity and 
enterprise, while the imperial crown, which to-day the two and one- 
half centuries places upon the brow of that enterprise and labor, is the 
Lynn of 1879, whose two hundred and fiftieth anniversary we now 
celebrate. 

Then followed the toast : 

The Third Plantation — Founded by an earnest, intelligent, devout 
people, who souglit in the new world independence. In spite of rough 
surroundings the early settlers led happy, wise, atfiuent lives,- and, 
dying, left behind fragrant memories, whicli have incited their success- 
ors to wortiiy deeds. 

And this was responded to in the following address 
by James R. Newhall : 

When it was intimated to me, :\[r. Mayor, that 1 might be called on 
to make a few remarks on this interesting occasion. I felt that if I 
were, it would be hardly courteous to remain entirely silent, and en- 
deavored to fix upon some circumstance in our perhaps not particu- 
larly eventful history, that might indicate to whom and to what we 
are justified in looking, in an especial manner, for the attainment of 
the satisfactory position, which, after two hundred and fifty years, we 
find ourselves occupying. And the result will appear in what I now 
proceed briefly to otter. 



THE BANQUET. 59 

June, tlie loveliest month of the now England yeav, is marked as that 
in wliifh the settlement began. How different from the surly Decem- 
ber tliat howled over the sea-worn pilgrims who first landed on the 
Plymouth shore. Here, the face of nature was beautiful in its very 
wildness, and tlie balmy air lent elasticity to tlie spirits of tlie settlers 
and energy to tlieir strong arms. 

Three years after the first tents were pitched, that is, in June, 1632, 
the little church Avas formed, an event in those days of the first im- 
portance. And in the very brief time it would be proper for me to 
occupy, I propose to speak cliiefiy of the reverend New England fether. 
who was the second minister, and lie through whom the Plantation 
received its pi-esent name. I shall at once be understood as alluding 
to the Rev. Samuel Whiting, who for more than forty years was 
identified with the best interests of the settlement. May we not, then^ 
call him the father of Lynn, as Mather, in view of his exalted piety, 
was wont to call him the angel of Lynn.^ It was just two hundred 
years ago, that is, in 1679, that the remains of that good old man were 
laid away to everlasting repose in the then quiet village burial place, 
oversliadowed by ancient forest trees, but now looked down upon by 
stately edifices, and surrounded by a busy multitude. Tlie spot where 
he rests is marked by a simple granite shaft, reared a few years since 
by tlie Hon. William Whiting, of Boston, a direct descendant, who 
himself rendered such eminent service to our government during the 
most perilous period of the late war of the Rebellion, and who has 
himself been since called to join liis honqred ancestor in the land 
whence there is no return. 

Who can be deemed more worthy of remembrance on an occasion 
like this? — not only because of his profound learning, serene temper 
and well-rounded christian character, but likewise for his liberal 
principles, political sagacity, and untiring efibrts to advance tlie public 
l)rosperity and elevate the public name; characteristics which gave 
him prominence among the leading public men, and large influence 
in the colonial councils. Who can estimate the result of his Avell- 
directcd eftbrts for that long series of years, in shaping public polity 
and private enterprise? Or who indeed can estimate the eft'ect of his 
labors even on the institutions of our own day? 

It is not to be forgotten that many of the clergy of that day had 
very great influence in the direction of public afiairs. Indeed it Avas 
common for the executive, legislative and even the judicial authorities 
to apply to them for the solution of intricate questions and the 
determining of »principles. Many, if not most of them, had been 
ministers in tlie Church of England, and were men of learning and 
deep thought. The very experiences that induced tlieir emigration, 
arose generally from their advanced views of human rights and j)oliti- 
cal liberty. It is to be remembered, too, that at that period, the 
settlement of a minister was, under ordinai-y circumstances, expected 



60 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

to be for life; not a mere temporary sojourn as is so frequently the 
case in our day. And it will readily be perceived how mucli greater 
the opportunity of the faithful pastor then was to inaugurate and 
sustain pursuits calculated to be permanently beneficial. Then, the 
clergyman had the same inducement to be diligent and trusting that 
the husbandman has in his vocation — deliglit in watching the 
upspringing from the good seeds he scatters and repose in the well- 
founded expecttition of receiving in harvest time the reward for his 
toil and faith. 

No sooner had Mr. Whiting commenced his ministrations to the 
church here, than the discordant elements which had disturbed it, and 
the whole little community as well, were harmonized, and old and 
young gathered around him in delightful sympathy and trust — exem- 
plifying the truth that mental strength coupled with genial mannei's, is 
potent to secure confidence and love. 

A few words on the personal history of Mr. Whiting: Pie descended 
from a long line of honorable ancestors, and was a son of Sir John 
Whiting, Mayor of old Boston in 1600 and 1608. His brother John 
was also Mayor of Boston in 1626, 1633, 1644 and 1645, and his brother 
James was Mayor in 1640. 

The subject of these remarks was born in 1597, and at the age of 
sixteen was entered at Emanuel College. He was an apt scholar; 
received the degree of A. B. in 1616, and that of A. M. in 1620. After- 
wards he received the degree of D. 1). His father died while he was 
in college, leaving a very 'considerable estate. Emanuel College, as is 
well known to readers of Puritan history, was called " the hot-bed of 
Puritanism," and it was while there, no doubt, that he imbibed thosi- 
principles which grew with his growth and strengthened with his 
strength — those principles which so strongly marked his whole after 
life. It is well to observe that what were known as the Puritan prin- 
ciples of that day, had reference not only to church but also to state. 
It was not only the purpose to purify the church of obnoxious rites and 
ceremonies, but also to free the people from governmental oppression 
and wrong — to circumscribe the royal prerogatives, defend against th«- 
encroachments and reduce the privileges of the aristocracy ; in short, 
to break down every barrier to the reasonable exercise of individual 
right, freedom and responsibility. 

Mr. Whiting took oi'ders in the Church of England soon after 
graduating, and became chaplain in a relined and wealthy family in 
Norfolk. After remaining there about three years, apparently in great 
prosperity and ha])piness, he accepted a rectorship iu Lynn Regis, as 
colleague of Rev. Dr. Price. In that situation he remained three 
years, administering his oflice acceptably, excepting his refusal to con- 
form to certain reeiuired usages in the established church service ; in 
brief, he Avas a Nonconformist, subjected himself to the censure of the 
liishop of Norwich, and was induced to resign and remove to the 



THE BANQUET. 61 

parish of Shirbec, near Boston, where 1 e again filled the office ot 
rectoi", and again came under censure for nonconforming practices. 

In 1G36 his situation became so uncomfortable that he resigned and 
prepared to emigrate to America. The parish church in which he 
ofliciated, at Shirbec, is still standing, surrounded by the graves ot 
those to whom he so many years ago ministered. It is described as 
" a simple and unpretending structure, planted on the left bank of the 
river Witham, whose sluggish waters have sadly endangered its 
foimdations." 

The same year, 1636, in which he resigned his charge at Shirbec, he 
emigrated to America, arriving in May. He does not a])pear to have 
greatly enjoyed the voyage hither, as he remarks that he would 
" much rather have undergone six weeks' imprisonment, for a good 
cause, than six weeks of such terrible seasickness." A few months 
after his arrival, November 8, 1636, at the age of thirty-nine, he was 
installed minister of the little church gathered here. 

Mr. Whiting was twice man-ied. His second partner, she who ac- 
companied him hither, could claim a family descent more illustrious 
thali his, for she could trace her lineage, without a break, to William 
the Conqueror. She was a sister of Oliver St. John, the Chief Justice 
of England during the Commonwealth, and own cousin to Oliver 
Cromwell. But all the incidents of birth and family on his and her 
part, incidents which to so many, even here and among us, possess a 
peculiar charm, seem to have weighed nothing in competition with 
their strong sense of duty. 

The young couple, as they then were, apparently without one longing 
look liehind, left the bright scenes, the comforts and luxuries of their 
«'arly homes, crossed the stormy ocean, and bravely entered this west- 
ern wilderness, with stout hearts and strong arms, to fight the battle 
of civilization against a savage dispensation — to subdue a wild and 
ungracious soil, to establish the arts of civilized life where only th<' 
rudest devices to supply the most common wants of man had been 
known. Nobly did they address themselves to their chosen work, and 
great was their success. The beneficial results of their settling here 
did not by any means end with their lives. Children were born to 
them, and children's children have appeared in almost every path of 
usefulness, and adorned our whole history. The entire nation ha^ 
received benefits hardly capable of being, over-estimated. Some of 
their descendants have l)een consijicuous in theological, scientific an(t 
■literary calliugs; others have filled useful and honorable positions in 
the national civil service; others again have risen to eminence in the 
military profession. One needs only to glance over a dictionary of 
American biography to learn how meritorious the family lias proved. 

How few of us realize what lasting, what cumulative blessings may 
si)ring from such parentage? And the remembrance of such benefac- 
tions is useful as an incentive to like good works in others, as well as 



G2 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

a tribute of gratitude, which, thougli it cannot affect one whose earthly 
labors have closed, must yet have a favoral>le influence on the living. 
And what topic can be more proper for a day like this, than that which 
illustrates the lives of such benefactors? Who among us of this gen- 
eration, will prove as worthy of remembrance, when another couple 
of centuries have rolled away ? It is said that he who has no respect 
for the memory of his ancestors, deserves not the respect of posterity. 
And most assuredly, a community that has no grateful remembrance 
of its benefactors is undeserving of continued prosperity. 

Mr. Whiting, as might readily be supposed, took great interest in the 
education of the youth of the town, and, together with his accomplished 
wife, did everything possible to refine the manners and elevate the 
condition of every class. He took unwearied pains to advance every 
material interest — to improve the husbandry, the fisheries, the me- 
chanic arts — indeed all branches required for the supply of current 
and prospective wants. And all the time he never lost sight of oppor- 
tunities to promote the broader interests of the little community, 
\'igilantly guarding against the imposition of wrongful bui'dens by the 
General Court, through misinformation or selfish appliances, jmd 
laboring in every honest way to elevate and dignify her liame. The 
toAvn grew rapidly during the forty years he so devoted to her concerns. 
And it was a healthy growth. 

I have selected Mr. Whiting from among the other meritorious indi- 
viduals who lal3ored so zealously and so well in laying the foundations 
of our social fabric, for the reasons already indi(;ated. But I would 
not deti-act from the praise due those other pioneers who made so many 
sacrifices and achieved such enduring conquests. Many were worthy 
of the highest commendation ; but time will not allow of a step beyond 
the proposed limit; no, not even to pay a passing tribute to my own 
ancestors, who were among the earliest here — for I have the proud 
claim of dii-ect descent from the first white child l>orn within the terri- 
tory of the famous old Third Plantation. Most certainly merited praise 
bestowed on one individual, cannot, f xcepting possibly in a mean and 
jealous mind, be viewed as silent censure on another but unnam'ed 
worthy. 

And now, in. closing, allow me to repeat that it was in 1679, two 
centuries ago, the present year, that that venerable New England 
father who indeed may, with unquestionable propriety, be reckoned 
among the foremost of the early benefiictors and true citizens of oiu- 
beloved home, was called away from his earthly laliors. And I again 
ask, is it not highly becoming that he should l)e gratefully remembered 
on this special occasion? And is not this a fitting sentiment to l)e ex- 
pressed as such memories' are summoned up? 

Tlie liev. Samuel Whiting: May the memory of liis virtues and his 
labors for^ the good of our beloA'ed home, in her infant days, never 
cease to inspire every son and daughter to do their utmost for the con- 
tinuance of her pros})erity and good name. 



THE BANQUET. 63 

The fourth sentiment announced was : 

Lynn Recris and America's Lynn — Our name commemorates the 
never-tobe-forgotten fact that our fatliers were a God-fearing, reverent 
])eople, for they not only brouglit their spiritual teachers with them, 
but they called the infant settlement "Lynn" in honor of Rev. 
Samuel Whiting, who had lieen a clergyman in old Lynn. 

And this sentiment called forth the reading of a very 
interesting correspondence with prominent individuals 
in Old England, by George H. Chase ; an episode 
which was received with most emphatic expressions of 
gratification. The correspondence, which we give in 
full, very well explains itself. 

Letter of Mayor Sanderson to the Mayor of 
■ . Lynn. Regis, 

Mayor's Office, City Hall, ) 

Lynn, Massachusetts, U. S. A., > 

May 1th, 1879. ^ 

To His Worship the Mayor of Lynn Regis, Norfolk Co., England: 

This city will celebrate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversarj- of 
its settlement, on Tuesday, the Seventeenth day of June. Tlie interest 
of Americans in the honored old mother land does not lessen with the 
lapse of time, and on such an epoch as Ave are about to notice, histori- 
cal associations will become especially dear. 

Tlie first settlers here, in 1629, came from your neighboring county of 
Lincolnshire, and eight years later, this territoiy was named Lynn, in 
honor of a beloved clergyman who claimed your city as his home. 

On behalf of our government and people, I cordially invite you to 
participate in the festivities. lionorable as stands the name of your 
ancient city in history, we trust that with allowance for our youth, you 
would find much to gratify you in the growth, prosperity and general 
condition of your namesake. 

We earnestly hope to be fiivored with your presence, or of some 
accredited representative. Failing these, we hope at least to be able 
to receive, in time, some words of greeting from I>ynn in Old England 
to Lynn in the New. 

Accept for yourself and the government and people of j'our city 
assurances of the regard and interest of the people and government I 
have the honor to represent. 

With great resjjcct, I remain, 

Geo. p. Saxdehson, Mayor. 



64 LYNN: 1029 — 1879. 

Reply of Mayor Seppings to Mayor Sanderson. 

Town Hai.l, King's Lynn, ^ 

NOKKOLK, EnOI^AND, > 
May 26, 1879. > 

To (he Worshipful the Mayo?- of Lynn, Massachusetts, U. S, A.: 

Deak Sik: — It is with much regret that I am obliged to decline your 
most kind invitation tojoinyouin the celebration of the 250th anni- 
versary of the foundation of your city. 

Your warm expressions of attachment to the " Old Country " are 
very pleasant to receive, and ai'e very heartily reciprocated. 

On behalf of the Aldermen and Burgesses of our ancient Borough, I 
desire to offer to you and to the government and people of Lynn, our 
.sincere congratulations on your present prosperity, and hearty good 
wishes for the future. 

Accept for yourself and the government and people of your city, the 
assurances of the continued interest and regard of the Mayor, Alder- 
men and Burgesses of Lynn Regis. 

I have the lionor to remain, dear sir, 

Faithfully yours, 

Tiio. J. Seppings, Mayor. 

The reading of these official letters was followed by 
a few remarks from Toast-Master Hawkes, in which he 
stated that our former Mayor, Col. Roland G. Usher, 
was the first to open communications and exchange 
courtesies with the authorities of Lynn Regis, which he 
did at the time of the dedication of our new City Hall, 
in 1867; he therefore called on the* Colonel for some 
response, and elicited the following : 

Remarks of Col. R. G. Usher. 

Mr. Mayor: I am glad of the occasion that calls us as citizens of 
Lynn together to-day. Glad that you, Mr. Mayor have continued the 
courtesies that on former public occasions have passed between our 
goodly city and namesake on the other side of the Atlantic, that in 
official form an invitation to participate in the ceremonies, and share 
hi the hosi)italities, of this day, was tendered to His Worship the Mayor 
of King's Lynn, England, and am ])leased with the fraternal and 
i)leasant ri'Si)f)ns(' thereto, coming from tlic Mayor of that ])or()Ugh 



THE BANQUET. 65 

For tlie Lynn of Norfolk, unlike the Lynn of Essex, is not a city, but 
as we read, was made a borough by King John, in the year 1215, 
which in English law was a town, entitled to send " burgesses " to 
Parliament, and for its loyalty was endowed with the privilege of 
having a Mayor; "and he gave them his own sword to be carried 
before him, and a silver gilt cup." The history of Lynn Regis goes 
back many centuries. We celebrate to-day our two hundred and 
fiftieth anniversary; a long time, considering our national history. 
Yet King's Lynn can trace a direct line of Mayors for six hundred 
years. Before the first white man had trod our shores, it was a place 
of great commercial importance, and the centre of a large trade two 
hundred years before the discovery of this continent. Before the time 
of Henry the Eighth, it had entertained in royal style no less than five 
Kings in the line of regular succession. When the first gold was 
coined, and at the time of the first meeting of a regular English Par- 
liament, when the first ships were built for England's Navy, it was 
many years older than is our city to-day. We may well feel proud of 
our namesake, for it has a history both ancient and honorable. I 
trust these courtesies so happily commenced may continue as occasions 
offer: and, Mr. Mayor, permit me to give " TAe Lynn of England,'' 
our municipal God-father, whom though having not seen, we yet love. 
May the Lynn of America ever be worthy of such a venerable and 
renowned sponsor. 

Mr. Chase then proceeded to read the remainder of 
the correspondence. 

LETTER OF ROBERT BROOKS ESQ, OF LYNN REGIS, 

Lynn, REfus Nokfolk England. ) 
May 31 1879. 5 

'Dear Sir.— At the request of some of the Burgesses of this town I 
address you, the Chief of the people of Lynn, Massachusetts, U. S. A. 

We have learnt witli much pleasure that a kindly greeting and invi- 
tation has been sent to our worthy Chief Magistrate (Mr. T. J. Seppings) 
tlie Mayor ot Lynn Regis, to attend tlie celebration of the two hundred 
and fiftieth Anniversary of the settlement of your City. We know that in 
England oflicial language admits of but little sentiment. And fearing 
lest°your people should think that with age our hearts at home grow 
cold, I venture to write you. 

Many of us when youths at school, scanning the map of the 
" Young Giant " your country, have had our eyes drawn to " Norfolk "• 
and to " Lynn '' in a far distant land,— the names of our county and 
loved old town— we have wondered how it was, and at times with 
anxiety have wished to learn something of your history. At last 
kindlj- words "have come across the sea." You tella taleofaftectionfor 
on(^ YOU were pleased to lionor, — " A beloved clergyman " who once 
9 



66 LYNN: 1629 — 1879. 

claimed our home as his; in honoring him you honored us. We now, 
ill no formal words, thank you. Our brothers and sisters, we rejoice 
with you in your manhood, in your womanhood and though I fear dis- 
tance and circumstances will prevent any one from this town repre- 
senting us at your Anniversary, we hope that 

" Long, long be our hearts with such memories fill'd! 
Like the vrtse in which roses have once been distill'd, 
You may bi-eak. you may ruin the vase, if you will. 
But the scent of the I'oses will hang, round it still," 

We will tell the tale of love you breathe for the " Mother Country " 
to our children- it shall be cherished with our " folk lore." And Dear 
Sir, tell your people this : — Our grand old churches remain, our grave- 
yards are near in which our Fathers sleep, tell them if at a future 
time a native or natives of Lynn, Massachusetts, (accredited) through 
business or pleasure come this way, he or they shall have a hearty 
welcome. We promise, on our part, no official greeting, but this we do 
say, we will receive them as friends and bi'others, and point out that 
which we hope will interest them. 

In conclusion we hope that come what may in the future, we may 
ever feel the ties of kindred and alt'ection which should bind us — " the 
Old and the New," and that our countrymen may ever be found 
shoulder to shoulder in the van of civilization and liberty. 

I have tlie honor ( at the request of many friends ) to subscribe 
myself. 

Yours Faithfully, 

Ror.T. Brooks. 
To the Mayor of Lynn, Massadmsctts, U. S. A. 

The next letter read by Mr. Chase was from the 
vicar of East Winch, which is a vilhige a few miles 
from the Town Hall of King's Lynn and is reached by 
the Great Eastern Railroad. 

LETTER OF Edward John Alvis, Vicar of East Winch. 

East Winch Yicakage. j) 

Kino's Lynn, Norfolk, England, > 

June 3, 1879. 5 

Sir. — I fear my communication will not reach you before the anni- 
versary of the foundation of your city of New Lynn. I am a native of 
Old Lynn, though not now a, resident there, but clergyman of the 
above village, about live miles distant, and this accounts for ray not 
seeing the correspondence which has taken place between yourself and 
the Mayor of King's Lynn, until the publication, last week, of our 
local newspai)er. Though this may be late for your Festival, as one 
who takes great interest in Lynn in th<! Old World, and consequently 



THE BANQUET. 67 

too in Lynn in tlie New, and wishing to contribute to the cordiality of 
feeling which it is highly necessary should be cultivated between tlie 
Mother Country and her offspring, I respectfully and heartily beg to 
congratulate you, and the citizens you represent, on the auspicious event 
you celebrate. May whatever be lacking on the score of "the youth " 
of your township be more than compensated for by the continuous well 
being of your people and their cultivation of every civil, social and 
moral virtue. My own little village (I have been acquainted with the 
fact by correspondence with the State Librarian of Albany) is con- 
nected with you by having descendants of a former inhabitant (Mr. 
Wm. Barnes) who about 1630 or 1640 settled in Long Lsland, in your 
States.* On z'cading the correspondence between you and Mr. Seppings. 
the idea struck me that you might like to possess an engraving of Old 
Lynn which may interest you. I beg your acceptance thereof, either 
for yourself, or if thought fit, be placed in the private room of the Mayor 
of your city. 

I am yours very faithfully, 

Edward John Alvis, 
Vicar of East Winch, Lynn, Norfolk. 
To the Worshipful , the Mayor of Lynn, Massachusetts, U. S. A. 
(G. P. Sanderson, Esq.) 

Then was read, in the same clear and appreciative 
manner in which Mr. Chase always acquits himself as 
reader or speaker, the following Poem by Mr. Coulton, 
a solicitor, and resident of Pentney, a village a few miles 
out of Lynn, but whose office is in the town: 

ZFATV; MASS., U. S. A., June ij, i8yg. 

r.V JOIIX JAMES COUI.TOX, OF LyNN, NORFOLK, ENGLAND. 

The bells of Lynn, in famous verses sung. 

To joyful crowds their merriest notes are pealing; 

Congratulation is on every tongue. 
The bells express the universal feeling; 

For since the town was founded, now have I'un 

Two centuiMes, and half another one. 

A quarter of a thousand years! how short! 
How long a period in the world's duration! 

IIovv long when measured by the march of thought, 

* In collection with the above, one of those Httle "errors of print" occurred, whicli, 
though trifling in itself nlav be noted, for example's sake. Wliere the words " Loi g 
Island in your States," occur, the final s in "States" was accidentally omitted in some 
newspaper reports, thus placing Long Island in Massachusett-.., and thereby leading to the 
supposition that the writer was deficient in geographical knowledge. The error was imme- 
diately detected when ihe report reached the other side of the water, and to it the attention 
of the writer of this was promptly called. 



68 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

How recent in the ages of creation. 
Since England's shore forsook th' heroic band, 
And freedom found in Massachusetts land! 
Young Lynn rejoices in her natal day — 

Old Lynn rejoices in her namesake's glory; 
Each rich and hajjpy in her several way, 

The young in promise, and the old in stoi-y. 
Go on, young giant, sanguine of futurity. 
And thou, too, matron, comely in maturity. 
For each a happy future is in store. 

If wisdom's counsels shall unite the nations 
Firmer in friendship for our feuds of yore — 

Alone, unrivaird, in our lofty stations 
Old England new in brighter destinies. 
New England old in hallow'd memories. 

This closed the foreign correspondence, and, as before 
remarked, great satisfaction was expressed. We may 
be permitted to say, even after what has been remarked 
touching commendatory expletives in general, that the 
approbation reached what may be called enthusiam as 
the recital of the poem closed. The band immediately, 
and with much spirit then played, " God save the 
Queen." 

The fifth sentiment was : — 

Saugus — Fortunate holder of our original name, Fair Saugus, with 
its beautiful winding river, its hills and dales, with its people linked to 
ours by the same ancestry and by a commou industry, it is only an 
arbitrary line that is between us. 

This Avas responded to by lion. Ilaruion Hall, of 
Saugus, in the following terms. 

Hon. Harmon Hall's Address, 

Mr. Mayor (uid Gcnllcmen.—l lind myself in ratlier an embarassing 
position at the present moment. It would liave been far more appro- 
pi-iate for one of our selectmen to ha^•e responded for " Saugus," but 
being called u])on I will say a word for the town of my adoption. 
Having resided in tliis town from early childhood I am somewhat 
familiar with its liistory. Saugus is divided into four distinct villages; 
viz: North Saugus, Saugus Centre, East Saugus and C'liftondale. At 



THE BANQUET. 69 

the first mentioned part of the town, a large farming interest is carried 
on. In Saugus there are iu full operation, two large woollen mills, 
owned by Messrs. Franker and Scott, which employ some two hundred 
operatives ; there are also a few shoe manufactox'ies hei'e. In Clifton- 
dale are tobacco manufactories and at East Saugus we have Coffee, 
Spice and Grain Mills carried on by Mr. H. B. Newhall, also shoe 
manufacturing to some extent; so you see with a population of twenty. 
six hundred (2600) we are on the whole a busy-people. 

History records some very interesting facts of Saugus. We can 
boast that the die that coined the first pine-tree shilling was struck in 
onr town in 1652, by one Joseph Jenks. This inventor also introtiuced 
the first engine to carry water in case of fire. The first patent on the 
scythe ever issued in this country originated in our town in 1655 and 
exists at the present time with only a slight improvement. These few his- 
torical facts pJaces us among the foremost ranks of inventors. I might 
speak of the Iron Works of tliat period, but they are familiar to all. 
You are all conversant with the general growth and prosperity of 
your neighbor town, and I will only say I am pleased to be here witb 
you to-day and to meet His Honor Ijieut.-Governor Long and the 
Executive Council, their presence adding greatly to the enjoyment of 
the celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth (250th) anniversary of 
your beautiful citj'. I hope we may all participate in the three 
hundredth (300th) anniversary; for myself I am willing to wait. 

Next followed the toast: — 

The Past Mayors of Lynn — A worthy list of representative citizens, 
each of whom has honored the city that made him its chief magistrate, 
in some walk of life. 

This called up the Hon. Thomas P. Richardson, the 
fourth Mayor of Lynn, who spoke as follows: 

Address of Hon, Thomas P, Richardson, 

It affords me much pleasure to be present on this occasion ; and as I 
am the senior Ex-Mayor of the City, I presume it is proper I should 
respond, very briefly, to the sentiment just proposed; recognising the 
fact that along the line of Ex-Mayors, others could be found, who are 
much better qualified for the honor than myself. I believe there is no 
class of citizens more interested in the welfare of our City than the Ex- 
Mayors, and none more j^ealous for her good name. 

Twenty-five years ago I was honored by being called to fill the posi- 
tion of Mayor, the City then entering upon the fifth year of its organi- 
zation; and the duties devolving upon me were much less than those 
now requii'ed of the incumbent of that ofiice. Most of the time then 
given was in the evening, in the old City Hall on South Connnon street^ 
a building about 40 feet by 60, witli a pitched roof, two stories higli, on 



70 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

what is now the entrance of Blosso.ni street. Tn the southeast corner, 
on the first floor, was a room about 16 feet by 40, wliich served as an 
office for the Citj- Clerk, City Treasurer and Mayor; on the opposite 
side was the Mayor and Aldermen's department ; and the second story 
was fitted up for the Common Council Chamber. (This edifice was de- 
stroyed by fire on the morning of Thursday, October 6th, 1864). A' 
this time, 1854, tlie population of our City was between thirteen and 
fourteen thousand. Our school houses then were buildings of much 
less proportions than now, but the subject of education was one which 
received our earnest attention ; and even in those days the City Council 
provided liljerally for its support. We had thirty-seven ])ublic schools- 
presided over by forty-six teacliers, and the average number of scliolars 
was 2553. The teachers' salaries amounted to twelve tliousand dollars, 
and other expenses about ten thousand more. 

Our Poor have always been favorably mentioned, by each succeeding' 
Mayor, with sympathy, and a recommendation for liberal aiipropriation 
for their confort. 

As I glance at tlie inaugural addresses of our ^layors, I find favor- 
able mention of our highways, Fire Department, Police, &c., which 
time fails me to mention in detail. 

We must now pass to mention some of the improvements by our citi- 
zens in the beautiful and fine residences which have been erected in all 
sections of our City. The stranger who visits us is struck with the 
neatness of our dwellings, and the taste displayed in the grounds which 
surround them, and our ears are freciueutly saluted with' words 
of commendation. The erection of our pi-esent City Hall, 
covers a space of two years from the laying of its corner- 
stone to its completion and dedication, which last ceremonies took 
place November 30th, 1867. The erection of so splendid an edifice, 
seemed to give new life and vigor to all our building enterprise. I well 
remember one day, when standing near this beautiful edifice, that an 
aged citizen (who has since passed away) remarked that it \Vould take 
50 years before the city would come up to compare favorably with the 
City Hall. I told him I did not think ten years would pass before hai'- 
mony would be restored by the erection of factories and stores, equal 
in magnitude and beauty to the one before us. I am pleased to know 
he was mistaken, and that so much thrift and financial strength a 
ha-; been added to our city. I would not attempt to describe it in 
its elegant proportions and well arranged departments for all the city 
officers; it is before you in all its beauty and elegance. 

Our lire department has also been niiu-h improved. Instead of man 
power at the brakes, steam has been introduced, and we have several 
new brick edifices where the fire machinery is kept, with horses well 
trained, which in less than five minutes after an alarm is struck, will 
be on their way to the conflagration guided by the unerring stroke. 
' with some half dozen of men, when twenty-live or thirty years ago 
it took thirtv or more to manage each machine. 



THE BANQUET. 71 

I congratulate you, Mr. Mayor, that on this the 250tli anniversary of 
our settlement, and on the 29tli of its organization as a city, that you 
are honored to stand as its Chief Executive, with a population of more 
than 33,000, with 5,779 children gathered in sixty-three schools under the 
tuition of one hundred and thirteen teachers, carried on at an expense 
of 95,000 dollars, to which is added the details of the other departments 
at a cost of nearly ten times greater than twenty-tive years ago. 

Of the fifteen Ex-Mayors, there are still living twelve, and we can 
appreciate the responsibilities that devolve on the Chief Executive of 
our City to a greater degree than those who have never been respon- 
sible for the execution of its ordinances. 

We might consider the social questions that are involved in the 
growth of the past twenty-nine years, and might express the 
solicitude we have felt for the moral welfare of our citizens in 
our transition from a quiet town to one of the largest manu- 
facturing cities of our Commonwealth; but we rejoice in the 
confidence we feel that a kind and wise Providence, that never 
errs, will guide our future to that honorable position which we believe 
as a city we are destined to occupy. 

The next sentiment was: 

The City of Lowell — Essex greets the queen City of historic old 
Middlesex ; Lowell and Lynn lead in cotton and shoes. 

Mayor Richardson, of Lowell, responded by alluding 
to the many bonds of brotherhood existing between 
Middlesex and Essex, their identity of interest, and 
grand promises for the future. In closing, he oJEfered 
the sentiment — " Middlesex and Essex; the two sexes; 
when united they can accomplish any thing that is 
desired." 

The toastmaster then gave : — 

Nahant, our youngest child — the gem of the ocean — the paradise of 
America; a municipality that knows not what a public blessing a 
public debt is. 

Joseph T. Wilson, chairman of the selectmen, in 
response spoke of the natural beauties of Nathant, in 
warm terms, remarking in relation to the class domi- 
ciled there who are to often opprobriously designated as 



72 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

^ tax-dodgers," that it was not the fault of the town 
that they were there, hut the doing of the Creator, who 
had made the place so irresistibly attractive to people of 
wealth and culture; the peninsula, in the opinion of its 
people ranking next heaven. 

At this point Mr. Hawkes remarked : Our fathers, 
when they came here, were not Native Americans but 
confessedly foreigners, bringing foreign customs and 
ideas. After a time, we their descendants, thought fit to 
regard foreigners in a somewhat diflerent light, and to 
impose certain restrictions upon their citizenship among 
us. By this means, we, though sprung of those who 
depended on no naturalization papers for their rights, 
have among us such as we are pleased to term Adopted 
Citizens. One who might be so designated is with us 
to-day; and I will call upon Hon. Charles MacLean of 
our Governor's Council to respond to the following- 
sentiment . 

One common heritaoe, one (lountiy, one people. We welcome to tlie 
privilege of manhood and lights of citizenship, true men from every 
nation, tongue and people. 

ADDRESS OF HON. CHARLES McLEAN, 

Mr. Mayor and Fellow Citizens of Lynn: 

I was not aware that I was expected to say anything when I ac- 
cepted an invitation to visit yon on this occasion, and I consider now 
that it is almost a work of supererogation, after the able speeches that 
have been uttered here, for me to attend anything like an 
after dinner speech. ]\Iy arm, sir, as you are well aware, 
has always been more accustomed' to wield the hammer than my 
tongue has been to utter well sounded ])hrases of rhetoric. 

Yet I have a claim on New England, a very deep claim on New 
England, as you will see befoi'e I have finished. But I find myself 
mucli in the y)r('dicament of the shoemaker who was at one time 



THE BANQUET. 73 

journeying, a quiet and unobti-usive companion, with Sir Walter Scot, 
and the celebrated Dr. Hunter. Scott prided himself that when he was 
traveling in the couctry with any one, he could find out their calling 
by the peculiarities of their character. This man wrapped himself in a 
cloak in the stage coach. Hunter said to Sir Walter, " well, there's a 
specimen ; try your luck on him," Scott descanted on the beauty of the 
weather, the fertility of the soil in the country through which they 
were journeying, but no response - simply " Yes " and " No." At 
length Hunter said to Sir Walter, " you have got your match now." 
Scott was piqued at this, and said and I find myself in that predica- 
ment to-day — he said to the man, "Look here, sir; do you know 
anything! I have talked with you on every subject under the sun and 
you only give me a look back. You do not say anything. Do you 
know any thing? " The man happening to be a shoemaker, said to him, 
" Sir, I dont know mui-h of what you have been talking about, but if 
you want to know anything about leather I'm your man on tliat 
subject, any way," well, I am neither a speaker nor a shoemaker. 

I was reminded, Mr, Mayor and gentlemen, while our worthy 
Lieutenant-Governor — whom I esteem very highly indeed, althougli 
his political policy and mine do not quiet exactly coincide - was speak- 
ing about the lawyers being sent out of Lynn, of an anecdote, which 
occurred to my mind, at the time of the late Douglass Jerrokl. Journey- 
ing twenty miles from London on a Sunday afternoon, he approached a 
grave yard into which a funei'al cortege was wending its way. 
He met a countryman and said to him — by the way, I mean no 
offence; I see mv friend Mr. Allen here and there may be others. 
Present company is always excepted— he said to the countryman 
"who is dead, my friend?" "Don't you know?' said the country, 
man. " No," said Jerrold, " I do not," " why," said he, " a celebrated 
lawyer of this town." Jeri'old said to him," " Do you burv lawyers 
down here?" " Bury lawyers! of course we do, what disposition did 
you suppose we would make of them?" "why," said he, that shows 
me you don't know much down in the country. When a lawyer dies 
in London we never bury him ; " what do you with him? " the country- 
man enquired, "why" said Jerrold, "we coffin him, we do not 
fasten the lid down but we put him near the fire, lock the doors and 
leave tlie windows o)ien. In the morning when we call we find a 
strong smell of brimstone in the room and the corpse, is gone. 

I remember very well, Mr. M.ayor that among the teachings of my 
early boyhood — that which eventually sent me to America — was my 
worthy father's estimate of the heroes of the revolution. Among 
them his beau ideal was Jeftei'son. He would say to us on certain 
occasions; "Boys Thomas Jefferson of Amerie:i was one of the 
greatest being God ever gave to mankind." That was one of the indui e- 
ments which brought me here. That was one reason why I chose 
America as the grandest type of government that the world had ever 
vet seen, juurneviug through vour streets in procession .to-day I was 

10 - • 



74 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

reminded of the fact by the children of the public schools. A repub- 
lican form of government, in my judgment, where the most of the 
people are ignorant, is the worst type of government on eartli. Far 
better an absolute monarchy. But where the most of the people are 
educated and intelligent a republic is the grandest type of government. 
Hence America and its progress, the future of America is grand in the 
extreme, in my judgment. If the government of England could make 
herself the credit nation of the earth from '97 to Waterloo, what cannot 
Amei'ica be when she adopts a proper fiscal policy? with coal lands 
ah'eady discovered to last a thousand millions of men sixty thousand 
years to come; with ii-on in juxtaposition with coal as though inviting 
the coal by saying, come and smelt me and make me useful: with forty 
millions of the most intelligent people on the face of the earth, growing 
within a century from two and a half a millions up to that — fancy its 
grand future, with the undeveloped resources of America surpassing 
all the nations of the earth. 

I said that I had a claim upon New England. Let me explain. One 
man in the land where I first saw the light of day spoke of New 
England on one occasion. Let me refer to it. When the Scotch took 
Charles the First prisoner at the battle of Naseby, Cromwell demanded 
him. The Scotch said ; " No," you pay us, for your Episcopa'ian king 
the debt you owe and we will deliver him iip ; and you can make a church 
or a mule of him it you please." He was delivered up, tried at White, 
hall and condemned to death, the two sons fled as you will remember- 
At the I'estoration on the death of Richard Cromwell, when the two 
sons came back to England, Charles the Second intended to get back, 
from America, the three judges who tried his father. Those three men 
fled to New England — I refer to Whalley, Gougli and Dixwell — and 
settled between Connecticut and this State, and often times gave infor- 
mation to the white settlers when the Indians contemplated raiding 
upon them. Three avenues in the city of New Haven are called after 
them to-day. Charles the Second intended to bring back the regicides, 
as they were called in English history, and try them for the death of 
his fother. At tliat period e])iscopacy was forcing itselt across the 
river Tweed into Scotland. The minister comes down with all the 
forms of the Episcopal faith. Old.rennie Geddes, an old Scotch lady . 
with a three-footed stool which she carried to church was sitting 
in the church. The clergyman began to read his speech, Jennie 
Geddes, her indignation towering above all prudence, rose and 
hurled her three-footed stool at the ministers head, and said: '"Has 
the spirit of God departed from the clergymen novv-a-days that 
they cannot preach witliout reading it oft" paper I" The old Scotch 
in the city of Edinboro' was aroused: the minister fled for his 
life, the ministers of Chai'les the .Second advised him not to touch 
New England for the Scotch were there at home. And so instead of 
sending his troops to New England old Jennie Geddes saved the 
whole colony. 



THE BANQUET. 75 

One of the grandest and niost incomparable speakers in the House 
of Commons, as you will remember, the grand orator, Edmund 
Burke, tells the government of England what New England has 
become. He tells them in language almost word for word like that 
I am now to utter: You banished those men through your tyranny ; 
you banished them thi-ee thousand miles away from all civilization, 
they landed on the bleak shores of New England in the dead of winter. 
Such has been their energy, their perseverance and their industry in 
New England that the world has never yet seen a like progress. That is 
to the government of England about the year '74. I might go on to 
express my ideas about this government. Well, Mr. Mayor, I trust 
that the city of Lynn will go on, conquering and to conquer ; that no 
witchcraft will ever touch the page of her history except the witchcraft 
of labor; that we shall go on in juxtaposition with capital 
without dissension — as the orator of the day told us — in equity and 
injustice, each performing its own legitimate share of the work and 
each receiving only its legitimate share of the reward Thus shall the 
republic go on here in harmony through all time. I trust that 
these will be the characteristics of Lynn for all time to come, and that 
in the language of the Latin poet, it shall never be said of Lynn as he 
once said — "So the bees make honey but not for themselves." That 
both owners and producers may receive the same fair share of what 
they produce, and go on in harmony in union and prosperity for all 
time to come, is the earnest wish of your obedient servant. 

The next toast was : — 

Swampscott — Famed for its toilers of the sea, who for generations 
tished for the treasures of the deep. In these latter days the toilers of 
the city have discovered that the priceless treasures of rest and health 
are to be found within its borders. 

And to this Mr. George H. Hobby of the board of 
selectmen made an appropriate response, remarking 
upon the common interests and pleasant relations of 
Swampscott and Lynn and the salubrity and beauty of 
the place he represented. 

Next in order came the sentiment : — 

Lynnfield — Rustic jewel, calm, steady, and serene, unvexed by tlie 
bustle of the outer world. Our elder child is itself venerable. Almost 
a century has passed since we parted. 

Mr. Albert INIansfield a selectman of Lynnfield had 
been expected to respond to this, but had retired.. 



76 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

The final toast was : — 

The Industries of Lynn — Would you see what intelligent industry 
has wrought? Look around you. 

Ex-Mayor Buffum, in his usual prompt and accept- 
able manner responded to this, as follows: — 

Mr. Mayor, — Not expecting to be called upon to respond to the senti- 
ment you have given me, I am not jirepared with any special reply ; 
but the occasion and the sentiment cannot fail to inspire any person 
who has labored for and watched the growth of Lynn for the last 
forty years. 

When I look back on the time I came to Lynn in 1824, and remember 
what the town was then, and consider what it is now, I am proud 
of what we have achieved, as showing what jaluck and energy can 
accomplish unaided by wealth and natural circumstances. At that 
time we were considered an insignificant town, poor and dispised by 
our more wealthy neighbors. Instead of little shoe shops at the 
corners of the streets, we now have splendid, brick factories with 
steam power and machinery increasing our productive power a 
thousand fold. Instead of the four or five churches, including the 
" Old Tunnel " on the Common with the gun house by its side, we 
have some thirty beautiful houses of worship, that are equal in style 
and convenience to any in the commonwealth. Instead of the old 
Town House on the Common with its bare beams and rickety floor, 
we have our handsome City Hall, not surpassed in architectual beauty 
and solidity of finish in the State. 

The old one story school-houses have given place to permanent and 
convenient structures sufficiently large to accommodate a thousand 
scholars each. These with our large Public Library are aflbrding edu- 
cational facilities such as our Fathers never dreamed of. These together 
with our most efficient Fire department, thoroughly housed and 
equipped with engines and fire-alarm, the introduction of gas and water 
and all other improvements too numerous to mention — making our 
city in all its appointments, a first class one. You may point with 
pride to what has been done and say, " would you see what intelligent 
industry has wrought? " Look around you! 

Mr. Mayor and Fellow-Citizens. If there is any city in this com- 
monwealth that has a right to indulge in an honest pride in wliat it 
has done in the way of improvement, it is Lynn. 

Who of us can stand on High Rock and look down upon our city 
to-day, and not feel his heart swell with gratitude to Cod, that he has 
permitted him to take part in laying a foundation, on which those who 
come alter us can build the great Temple of Liberty, and Equality. 
under whose broad arches our children and our cliildren's children 
may meet and enjoy equal rights, equal blessings and resjoice to bear 
equal burdens. 



THE BANQUET. 77 

Lef us then take courage and press on to the end, in the full faith that 
if we do our duty, we shall not work in vain, but the generations that 
shall follow us shall gatlier inspiration from our example and continue 
the ^ood work, until the artistic beauty of our city ^lall be in 
harmony with the sublime grandeur of the ocean that beats upon our 
shore, or the varied beauty of the landscape with which God has 
surrounded us. 

The following letters from prominent individuals 
who were unable to be present, were received : 

Letter of Hon. John J. Ingalls, United States 
Senator FROM Kansas. 

United States Senate Chamber, > 
Washington, June 13, 1879. J 

Hon. Oeortje P. Sanderson, Mayor &c., Lynn Mass: 

My Dear Sir— I sincerely regret that the public affairs prevent my 
participation in the exercises attending the celebration of the 250tli 
anniversary of tlie settlement of the city of Lynn. That occasion would 
be specially interesting to me because my ancestor, Edmund Ingalls, 
and his brother, Francis, where the earliest settlers and may therefore 
be regarded as the founders of your venerable and beautiful city. They 
migrated from England in 1628 to seek civil liberty and freedom of 
conscience in the wilds of the New World. 

The family is of Danish origin, and the naiue, which was originally 
spelled "Ingald," is a personal appellation and signifies "Mighty by 
the God of War." Edmund Ingalls died in August, 1648, from injuries 
sustained by falling, with his horse, through a defective bridge over 
Saugus river. His last will and testament, together with the inventory 
of his personal property, are still to be seen at Salem in the public 
archives of Essex County. Although born in the town of Middleton, 
within a few miles of their homestead, I never had the pleasure of 
visiting the exact locality till March of the present year, when in 
company with another descendant of Edmund, I saw the precise spot 
where he and his brother Francis lived and died two centuries and a 
half ago. Around and above were the same shore, the same sea, the 
same sky, but Avhat vast social and political changes had been wrought 
by the motives and purposes of these emigrants and their associates in 
t e long interval covering eight generations of .their family! They trod 
the barren mai-gin of an empty continent which has become the abode 
of forty-five million freemen, and a civilization rich in every element 
of present prospei-ity. but tar richer in every prophecy of future 
grandeur. 

Anniversaries like that which you celebrate are of great value to man- 
kind. We cannot too often contemplate the courage, the faith, the de- 



78 LYNN: 1629 — 1879. 

votion of the colonies of New England. Into heroic exile they bore the 
most potential ideas in history, and established a system of govern- 
ment with the Golden Rule as the highest maxim and the Bible as its 
chief corner-st«ne. The sons of Massacliusetts, wherever they may be 
will never forget the allegiance to tliose great principles of which they 
are inheritors ; nor will they omit any effort to preserve the sacred 
covenants of freedom and transmit them without detriment to the gene- 
rations that are to come. Accept my sincere thanks, Mr. Mayor, for 
the courtesy of your invitation, and believe me. 
Very truly yours, 

(Signed) John J. Tngalls. 

Letter of Rufus Ingalls, of the United States 

Army. 

Headquarter Mil. Div. of the Missouri, ^ 

office chief quartermaster. > 

Chicago, 111., June 14tli 1879. ^ 

IIo7i. Oeorye P. Sanderson, Mayor of Lgnn, Mass., 

Dear Sir, — Accept my thanks for your invitation to be present on 
the 250th anniversary of your ancient and beautiful' city — I should 
attend with pride and joy did not my official duties require my 
constant presence here, particularly as Lieut-Gen. Sheridan is absent 
from his Headquarters. My ancestors for these 250 years were Massa- 
clmsetts men, and one of them, first from old England, bore prominent 
part in the founding and settlement of Lynn, a city that has steadily 
advanced in population, wealth and arts. I hope her renown will be 
immortal. 

Very Respectfully your most obedient servant, 

Rufus Ingalls, 

U. S. A. 



Letter of Mayor Currier, of Newburyfort. 

City of Newburyport, Mayor's Office, > 
Juuf 11, 1879. 5 

Dear Sir, — I regret that business engagements will call me to the 
city of New York to-morrow, and that I shall be unable to return in 
season to participate in the exercises, to which you have so cordially 
invited me, on tlie occasion of the 250th anniversary of the settle- 
ment of Lynn. It would afford me great pleasure to unite with you 
in the celebration of so important an event in your municipal 
history, and to personally congratulate you and your fellow 
townsmen on the many evidences of yout^iful vigor and activity 
that still continue to exert their influence in your community even 
after an existence of two centuries and a half. 



THE BANQUET. 79 

I am compelled, however, to forego that pleasure and must beg you 
to accept, instead, this expression of regret at my inability to be 
present. 

Trusting that tlie day will be auspicious and the occasion a me- 
morable one in the histoi-y of your city. 

I have the honor to be be, 

Yours very respectfully, 

John J. Cukkiek. 

Hon. George P. Sanderson, Lynn, Mass. 

Letter of Hon. John B, Alley of Lynn, 

Lynn, June 12th 1879. 

Hon. Gcorcjc P. Sanderson, Mayor, Lynn, Mass. 

My Bear Sir, — I deeply regret my inability to accept your kind 
invitation to be present upon the occasion of the 250th anniversary of 
the settlement of Lynn. Unavoidable absence in a distant state on the 
17th, will preclude the possibility of my being present in person. But 
I shall be with you in spirit. A native, and life-long resident, with 
an unbroken line of paternal ancestors, all of them natives, extending 
back to within five years of the first settlement of the town — and 
having been, myself, honored by the suffrages of its citizens, for places 
of trust, in city, state and nation, I should be ungrateful indeed, not to 
feel a deep interest, in everything that concerns its prosperity or fame. 
Lynn has never been fully appreciated. For beauty of location, and 
attractiveness of scenery, it is unsurpassed by any place upon this con- 
tinent: in progressive thought, and reformatory movements, it has 
taken tRe lead for nearly a century ; in religion and morals, it stands high 
among the towns of the commonwealth. If it has raised but few, in intel- 
lectual force and attainments, much above their fellows — it may with 
truth be said, that for general intelligence in the past, of its citizens 
it stands equalled by few communities. Indeed, this was universally 
ciniceded thirty years ago by all who were acquainted with our people, 
and was thought to be due, in great degree, to the peculiar occupation 
of most of its citizens, that of shoemaking. For more than a century, 
and until within a few years, the shoemakers of Lynn generally, 
worked in shops containing each six or eight workmen, where reading 
aloud, and discussion, was the rule and not the exception — conse- 
sequently all those, who Jiad any desire to be well informed, were very 
familiar with the affairs of the outside world. And while shoemakers 
in other places, in those days, hardly ranked as the peers of other 
mechanics — in our own town, nobody felt above making shoemakers 
of their boys, and the sons of the wealthy and cultivated, learned to 
make shoes. Nearly all our Mayors, and leading citizens, were, or 
had been, shoemakers, and worked upon the bench. Such a record. 



80 LYNN: 1629—1879. 

is without a parallel in the history of any other municipality, and as 
creditable, as it is unique. 

Please to accept, Mr. Mayor, for yourself, and those with whom you 
are associated, the respect and the thanks of your friend and fellow- 
citizen. 

John B. Alley. 



As the evening shades were beginning to gather, 
Mayor Sanderson, as a fitting close to the exercises, 
invited the company to join in singing the Doxology, 
in Old Hundred, with an accompaniment by the Lynn 
Brass Band. 

In the evening there was a very brilliant and succes- 
ful display of Fireworks on the Common, to witness 
which, a 'large concourse assembled. 

As before remarked, the various performances of the 
day gave great satisfaction to the multitudes who 
thronged the streets, and to those who assembled in the 
halls. Strangers came from all directions and were re- 
ceived and entertained in the most hospitable manner. 
Natives who had long been absent, returned once more 
to enjoy the scenes of their early days, and many long 
severed families had happy reunions. 

The Police were on the alert, and remarkably good 
order prevailed ; and there was a wonderful freedom 
from serious accidents. 

At the Banquet, it may be repeated, the old fashion — 
and indeed the fashion still prevalent in many places — 
of providing wines and stronger drinks was dispense<l 



CONCLUSION. Bl 

with, nothing more stimulating than tea and coffee ap- 
pearing at the board — a good precedent, and one most 
fitting to establish on such a marked occasion. 

So began, continued, and ended, that enjoyable day 
— the seventeenth of June, A. D., 1879 — The Two 
Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Munici- 
pal Birth of Lynn. 



11 



PART SECOND, 



The proceedings which were the occasion of the pre- 
paration of this little volume, were such as could not 
have failed to interest all who regard the prosperity 
and good name of our community, which we take much 
satisfaction in claiming has, through her whole history, 
maintained an honorable position in the catalogue of 
New England settlements. 

The several towns being diversely located, territo- 
rially, and established for different ulterior objects — 
for fishing, agriculture, and, as population and wants 
increased, for commerce and manufactures — very 
naturally experienced varied fortunes. Some of those 
which at one period stood foremost for population and 
active business, at another period were outstripped by 
their neighbors. Lynn, however, has had a remarkably 
steady, though not rapid growth, and in the particular 
branch of industry to which for more than half of her 
whole history, her efforts have been chiefly directed, 
has constantly maintained a position second to none ; 
a branch in which, at the present time, she finds herself 
unrivalled by any place in the country, if not in the 
whole world. 



84 PART SECOND. 

This can hardly be considered the place for intro- 
ducing a large amount of statistical, matter, for the 
foregoing addresses contain so much direct and indirect 
information, that a large portion of what could be said 
would be mere repetition. And besides, an abundance 
of full statements have appeared in recent reports and 
other publications, which any one curious in such 
matters can readily obtain. The " Centennial Memo- 
rial," also, published in 1876, the centennial year of 
the nation, contains much that would be appropriate 
here, but which it would be hardly proper to present anew. 
After saying all this, however, there remain to be added 
a few touches to complete the composite picture formed 
by the orators and the connecting suggestive remarks. 

Boston, from a combination of causes which will 
naturally occur to the mind, soon became chief among 
the Bay settlements ^ — the legislative headquarters as 
well as the " head centre " in other respects. Mraiy 
of the Lynn settlers were farmers, nestling here and 
there over the whole broad territory, now forming the 
city, together with Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott and 
Nahant, with some even more remote districts. A road 
to Boston was among the very first " public improve- 
ments " demanded, and one was soon laid out along the 
base of the hills, following the present course of Walnut 
and Ilolyoke streets, and turning up over the hills on 
the west of Pan Swamp — as the meadow lying on 
the north of Holyoke street used to be called — and so 



ALONG ROSTOX STREET. 85 

on, to a fording place on Saugus river, near the site 
of the old iron works. It was no doubt, by this road 
that Governor Winthrop, accompanied by several of&cials, 
came in from Boston, in 1631, weary and foot- sore, 
their progress having been impeded by rocks, stumps, 
and sloughs, with the possible addition of a surly bear 
or testy' rattlesnake. They came " on foot to Saugus, 
and the next day kept on to Salem," says the chronicler, 
and the day after returned " to Boston, by the ford at 
Saugus river, and so over to Mystick." 

But the spirit of improvement progressed, and a 
shorter way for most of the settlers was opened along what 
is now the line of Boston street, though the bridge at East 
Saugus was not built till 1639. The building of this 
bridge was an enterprise of no small magnitude for 
those days. The whole colony was interested, and 
other settlements were required to bear a good share of 
the expense Yet, when completed, it could not have 
been viewed as an eminent success. Want of suitable 
material, was probably to some extent the cause of its 
insufficiency, though most likely, want of skill in the 
builders was the greater cause. The iron works had 
not at that time been established, and great inconvenience 
must have been felt. Here it Wbs, that Edmund Ingalls, 
one of the very first settlers, was drowned, in 1648, by 
falling through, while travelling on horseback ; in con- 
sequence of which accident his heirs received from the 
Court, an award of a hundred pounds. 



86 PART SECOND. 

For many years. Boston street was the principal 
avenue, and it has a history enviable above all other 
streets of Lynn, more eminent persons having had their 
homes upon and near it, than in any other quarter, if 
not in all other quarters collectively. And it was rather 
a pity that the grand procession did not embrace in their 
line of march some portion, at least, so that" to the 
strangers might have been pointed out places which 
must have proved deeply interesting from the association 
of historic names and incidents. 

Let us, therefore, endeavor, in as brief a manner as 
circumstances will permit, to supply what seems to have 
been by some overruling accident, or strange oversight, 
an untoward omission. We will imagine ourselves 
moving along in procession, by the site of the renowned 
Anchor Tavern, our course being eastward. 

There stood the quaint hostelry, on a picturesque 
knoll a stone's throw westward from Saugus river, 
looking blandly up towards the range of woody hills on 
the one hand and over the tide-washed marshes to the 
blue ocean on the other. It was one of the most con- 
veniently situated houses of entertainment in the whole 
colony, and one of the earliest. There it stood, through 
colonial and provincial times and down into the days 
when all foreign political bonds had been sundered, 
gathering a stirring and eventful history, most of which 
will ever remain unwritten — a marked resting post for the 
traveller, and an attractive gathering place for neigh- 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 87 

borhood sociality ; not always, however, bearing the 
same name, for the great political changes it witnessed 
during the hundred and seventy-five years of its 
existence, induced more than one renewed christening. 

Here the greatest dignitaries of the land paused in 
their journeys to and from the metropolis, for needed 
entertainment. Endicott and Bradstreet, as we find by 
records still preserved, stopped to refresh themselves on 
Goodman Armitage's "bear and cacks," [beer and 
cakes.] And here, too, the governors of later time 
found a convenient place for rest and consultation with 
the town authorities on matters of public concern. 
During the stormy days of the Andros administration, 
many an excited group gathered about its doors, and 
many a brawny palm closed with its mate in echoing 
emphasis. And in the Revolutionary days and the 
gloomy times immediately preceding, it was a favorite 
resort for the dashing sons of liberty. 

Here, on the 15th of October, 1716, Governor Shute 
paused, on his eastern tour to receive the respectful 
greetings of the authorities and the people. The Salem 
Troop, under Col. Brown, had come over to receive him, 
and there was a gay parade, the march along Boston 
.street calling forth old and young. 

Here, also, on the 24th of August, 1730, drew up 
the cavalcade who escorted Governor Belcher, to whom 
the people of Lynn paid their respects "in an extra- 
ordinary manner," says Zaccheus Collins, the worthy 
old diarist. 



88 PART SECOND. 

Here, too, on a bright October clay, in 1785, the 
noble Lafayette was greeted by the waiting crowd as he 
journeyed eastward, and all along, the road was thronged 
with people who had left their busy homes, their fields 
and shops, to salute the nation's chivalrous friend. Old 
soldiers cheered, women waved their handkerchiefs and 
maidens strewed flowers. 

Again, upon a fair October day in 1788, was wit- 
nessed a scene, alike impressive and touching. The 
revered Washington then passed by, pausing to return 
the affectionate greetings tendered at every step. The 
processions on these occasions were not so formal and 
grand as this in which we are moving, but the hearts 
of the gathering groups were as grateful, and their 
plaudits as fervid as any that will greet our progress. 
But we must not lino:er. 

Along we move toward the river. Down there, at 
the right, by the water side, was the principal landing 
place of the ancient ferry, connecting with Needham's 
landing, on the other side, a little below the site of what 
was long afterwards known as Chase's mill. The ferry 
franchise was granted to Garrett Spencer, in 1639, for 
two years, he " taking 2d for a single person to the 
furthest place, and but a Id a person for more, to the 
furthest place, and but a Id for a single person to the 
nearest place." It was a great convenience to the settlers 
of the different sections and especially to travellers to 
Boston and intermediate stations. But Mr. Spencer 
could not have found his right of much value, for the 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 89 

bridge was soon built, andaf:er that we hear little about 
the feiTy. Looking off to the left, you see the Saugus 
is a small stream to claim the dignified name of river; 
and you observe that it is very eccentric in its course, 
travelling some three miles to gain one, in a direct line; 
but small as it is, it has a history replete with points of 
interest. 

Away oft' there, on the margin of the stream, were 
the old Iron Works, the first in America. There worked 
Joseph Jenks, the most skilful machinist in the colony — 
the builder of the first fire-engine, the inventor of an 
improved scythe, or " engine to cut grass," as a record 
calls it, and divers other useful implements, which gave 
him a name enviable among workers in brass and iron, 
and induced the Cieneral Court to pass several commen- 
datory orders. Then there are the romantic stories 
, about the pirates said to have rowed up the unsuspicious 
current on a pleasant evening in 1(358, stories which laid 
the foundation for the cyclopean labors of Mr. Marble 
at Dungeon Rock; but stories which we liave now no 
time to rehearse. 

Let us pause a moment on the bridge. The old mill 
was built here in 1720. In 1797, the manufacture of 
chocolate was commenced, by Jonathan Makepeace; and 
he made a good article. But Amariah Childs, who took the 
mill, in 1805, became thfe most famous chocolate maker 
in the whole country, if Dot in the whole world. Here 
he continued the business some thirty-five years, his 

commodity continuing in great demand even in Europe. 
12 



90 PART SECOND. 

Onward we proceed, toward the western slope of 
Tower Hill. Opposite where Summer street enters 
Boston, and a little way in from the road, on the north 
side, stands the house in which lived and died 'Squire 
James Newhall, as he was called, the " 'Squire," being 
used partly to distinguish him from seven others of the 
same name — middle names not then being often used — 
and partly because he was entitled to the appellation, 
being one ^of the first three justices of the peace for 
Essex county, appointed under the State government, 
in 1781. His time-stained commission, bearing the bold 
signature of Hancock is yet in possession of your infor- 
mant. He was also one of the two or three shoe man- 
ufacturers who at that period ventured to employ as 
many as three journeymen. 

Moving onward a few rods, we come to the spot on 
which the first dwelling of the Burrills stood; they who 
were once called the " royal fixmily of Lynn," in view 
of the many members who became eminent. The house 
was small, without architectural pretension, and stood 
on the south side of the road, where the diminutive one 
story wooden school-house stood till within a score or so 
of years. Here lived the Hon. John Burrill, for ten 
years Speaker of the Provincial House of Representn- 
tives, and wlio died in 1721, in the otTice of Crown 
Counsellor; a man who has not probably to this day, 
been excelled as a presiding officer, in any assembly of 
the Commonwealth. Hutchinson makes the curious 
remark that the House was as fond of him " as of their 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 91 

eyes." He was -ilso a jurlge of the Essex court of 
common- pleas. 

Here, also, was born the Hon. Ebenezer Burrill, who 
in after years became a resident of Swampscott, his 
home being the ancient farm house that still stands on 
the elegant estate of Hon. E. R. Mudge. He died in 
1761, at the age of 82 ; was a man of sound judgment, 
benevolence and activity, and the town was indebted to 
him for efficient aid in helping forward many useful 
enterprises. He was six times a Representative in the 
General Court, and in 1731 a Crown Counsellor. In 
1732 he was entrusted with the settlement of some im- 
portant affairs with the Indians at Casco Bay. His son 
Samuel, who was born in 1717, was also a man of note 
— a Representative in 1779, '80, '81 and '83, and a 
member of the Convention for forming the State Consti- 
tution. Sarah Burrill, a sister of Hon. John and Hon. 
Ebenezer, and who was born here, where we pause in 
our march, was grandmother of Hon. Timothy Pickering, 
United States Secretary of War and also Secretary of 
State — the friend and coadjutor of Washington Close 
by here, too, in later years, lived Col. John Burrill, 
commander of the Lynn regiment, and a prominent free 
mason Your cicerone well reiuembers seeing him on 
tlie occasion of a burial, marching in a long masonic 
procession, down the road towards the Old Burying 
Ground, his bare, bald head, glistening in the sun, and 
liis eyes devoutly fixed upon the open Bible suspended 
before him. 



92 PART SECOND. 

We reacli the crest of Tower Hill ; and here, upon our 
left, is the almshouse, built in 1819. The associations 
connected with such a place, to be sure, are not the 
most agreeable to contemplate on an occasion like this ; 
yet it is fitting to indulge a passing thought. This is 
a pleasant spot for the home of the poor ; they can look 
abroad upon the woody heights in their robes of summer 
green or autumn gold, over the city, and out upon the 
sea ; pleasanter and more salubrious thaji the homes of 
many of " fortune's favorites " in the dusty streets 
below. And who would begrudge the inmates here a 
pleasant prospect, seeing they have so little to enjoy? 
Thanks to the ordering of Providence, it needs not 
wealth nor learning to appreciate the beautiful in nature. 
The first resident of this charming summit, was Thomas 
Willis. He was a member of the first General Court, 
in 1634, and five years afterwards a member of the 
Essex Court. Five hundred acres of " upland and 
meadow" were assigned to him in the town allotments 
of 1638. 

Right across there, to the left, on the northern border 
of the city's fields, runs Holyoke street, which perpet- 
uates the name of Edward Holyoke, one of the early 
settlers and owner of many acres hereabout. To him 
also the town assigned five hundred acres of " upland and 
meadow," in 1638. He was father of Elizar, from 
whom Mount Holyoke, in Hampshire county, took its 
name ; a son of which Elizar, was associated with the 



Ar>ONG BOSTON STREET. 93 

founders of the venerable Old South Church, in Boston, 
and father of president Holyoke of Harvard College. 

The towering porphyry cliff, there, a little to the 
northeast, is Sadler's Rock, granted, in 1638, to Richard 
Sadler, whose house was near it, in addition to his two 
hundred acres. He was the first Clerk of the Writs, an 
office somewhat analagous to that of Town Clerk, 
though partaking of the judicial character. He was one 
of the commissioners appointed in 1639, to run the 
bounds between Lynn and Boston, Robert Keayne, the 
eminent Boston merchant and first Captain of the An- 
cient and Honorable Artillery, being an associate com- 
missioner. He was also a member of the Salem Court, 
and a man of education, as appears from the fact that 
on his return to England, in 1647, he became a minister 
of the established church. 

Passing on to Cottage street, we see upon the left, a 
house which has for many years remained a sort of 
neighborhood landmark — the thunder and lightning- 
house — in which Miles Shorey and his wife were both 
instantly killed by an electric discharge, on Sunday the 
tenth of July, 1803. An infant daughter, in the arms 
of Mrs. Shorey, escaped almost untouched, grew to 
womanhood, and is noW' a widow, residing in the 
eastern part of the city. 

Onward we proceed, and when a little way east of 
Cottage street, look over the brook upon the right, and 
upon the pleasant upland, where, till within a few years, 
stood the old Fuller mansion. John Fuller came from 



94 PART SECOND. 

England in 163(3 to Boston, when yet " only seven 
hutts were erected" there. In 1644 he came to Lynn 
aiid settled on the spot (o which attention is now called. 
He was a Representative, and Clerk of the Writs. 
There stood the old house, with its great orchard, its 
cultivated fields, and its gigantic willow tree, a very 
attractive point in the landscape, for generations. There 
was born, in 1772, the Hon. Joseph Fuller, the first 
Senator from Lynn, elected in 1812, after having served 
for six terras as a Representative. He was also the first 
president of Lynn Mechanics Bank, now the First 
National, which went into operation in 1814. Maria 
Fuller, the promising young poetess, who died in 1831, 
at the age of twenty-four, and of whom Mr. Lewis says, 
" she was, perhaps, the most talented and imaginative 
■ female Lynn has produced," was a daughter of his. 

A short distance east of the Fuller place, along on 
the same pleasant upland, was the little farm of John 
Tarbox, one of the first farmers here. But his once 
happy home, in common with all earthly homes, however 
high or however humble, seems not to have escaped 
intrusion and disturbance. It was his daughter, whose 
affections the ardent Matthew Stanley, in 1649, won, 
without first obtaining the permission of her parents ; 
for which offence he was tried, convicted, and fined five 
pounds, with two shillings and- six-pence costs. The 
aggrieved parents attended court three days, and were 
allowed six shillin<i!:s for that service. 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 95 

And here, upon the roadside, was the ancient tannery 
of Robert Potter, one of the earliest in the colony. It 
passed into the hands of his son Benjamin, in 1709.* 

A few rods east of Childs street, on the north 
side of Boston, stands the modest, little one-story dwell- 
ing, in which Alonzo Lewis, the poet and historian, was 
born, on the 28th of August, 1794. Of him we need 
say nothing here, further than that he was one, who like 
most people of his genius, was appreciated by but few 
of the vYorldlings by whom he was surrounded, and who 
had his full share of disquietudes during life, but whose 
name will be remembered long after the names of most 
of his generation have passed into oblivion. 

Moving onward, we soon reach Kertland street, 
which was so named in memory of Phihp Kertland, 
" the first shoemaker at Lynn," as Mr. Lewis states. 
And just beyond is the unpretending dwelling, built in 
1795, in which was an apartment bearing the dignified 
name of Massey's Hall — a little room in the front of 
the second story, hardly more capacious than an ordinary 
sleeping room. This is supposed to have been the first 
public hall in Lynn, and was the place where political 
caucuses and similar meetings were held, and where, in 
1800, the first dancing school was opened. 

Yet a few rods farther, and Ave come to what may 
justly have been called Hart's corner. The old Hart 



* While this work has boon passlnff through tlie press, the tubnhir wells have 
heeiisutik in thisancient taii-vara. In digging t'ortlie foundation ot the innnping 
engine, the workmen unearthed remains of some of the old vats. The " Perley 
Spring" uo doubt furnished the needed water for the tannery. 



96 PART SECOND. 

house, upon the north side of Boston street, at the 

corner of Federal, which closed up the chapter of its 

usefulness in a patriotic blaze on the morning of the 

fourth of July, 1876, the centennial year of the Republic, 

was one of the most ancient within our borders. And 

the one that stood next west — there being now an 

intervening building — has a piquant history. This 

was the Lois Hart house, and interesting as the home 

of Edmund Hart, the skilful naval architect at whose 

ship-yard the famous frigate Constitution was built, in 

1798, a ship which proved so staunch as to receive from 

the jolly tars the expressive name of " Old Ironsides." 

The Lois Hart, by whose name the house was known, 

seems to have been a strong-minded woman of the 

rougher sort — a veritable type of a class by no means 

unknown at that time — made so, perhaps, partly, by 

the rough fortunes to which she had been exposed. It 

is related that when about quitting the world, she was 

asked by the good minister, if she could not bring her 

mind to take her departure feeling at peace with all she 

left behind, forgiving her enemies and detractors, and 

desiring the forgiveness of all whom she had offended. 

She replied, that on the whole, she thought some such 

settlement would be desirable, and .'jhe would forgive all 

her persecutors, all excepting one, who had wilfully 

allowed his cows in her cornfield ; him she would not 

forgive whatever the consequences. 

The westerly half of the liouse that stood on tlui 
corner, shaded by the ancient buttonwood that still waves 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 97 

its aged limbs over the now vacant lot — for the eastern 
portion was added in later years — was the house of 
Richard Haven, who was one of the early settlers, and 
supposed to have lived, for a time, near the Flax Pond. 
He was ancestor, in the direct line, of the late Bishop 
Haven of the Methodist church, and likewise of E. 0. 
Haven, LL. D , late president of Michigan State Uni- 
versity. Indeed, he was ancestor of the large and 
respectable Haven family, now spread all over the 
country. His wife Susanna, was a sister of Thomas 
Newhall, the first white person born in Lynn, and they 
liad twelve children. There, a little way up Federal 
street, just beyond the upper brook, where the Amos 
Rhodes house now stands, once stood, as is supposed, 
the dwelling in which the little bewildered Thomas first 
appeared. Joseph Hart, the farmer, who died in 1806, 
lived here in the old corner house, for many years, and 
reared a large family. He owned all the land, on 
the west side of Federal street, from Boston street to 
Walnut, and as he sometimes planted it with flax, a 
beautiful spectacle was presented as the bright blue 
blossoms waved in the wind. 

The old house, with several gables, upon the opposite 

corner of tKe same side of the street, now almost encased 

by modern erections, is one of great historic interest. It 

was built in or about the year 1700, and was a very 

grand place. An enclosed front yard extended to the 

street, and a double row of noble buttonwoods threw 
13 



98 PART SECOND. 

their shade over the lawn-like expanse, so protecting it 
that even in the long hot days of midsummer, the grass 
and shrubbery were green. Here lived Ebenezer Burrill, 
distinguished as Ebenezer, Esquire. James Burrill, 
LL. D., whose name is so conspicuous in Rhode Island 
history, was -i grandson of his, a lawyer of the first rank, 
Attorney General of Rhode Island from 1797 to 1813, 
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of that state in 
1816 and United States Senator from 1817 till the time 
of his decease, a few years after. Descendants of his, 
yet remain among the most conspicuous Rhode Island 
families. 

Here, too, lived Col. James Robinson a soldier of the 
Revolution, and the first postmaster of Lynn, appointed 
in 1795. He kept the office in a small building that 
stood on the street near the southeastern corner of the 
front yard. He was likewise a Representative for six 
terms. Here, too, lived Major Ezra Hitchings, the 
second postmaster. He was a great friend of the military 
and loved to see the old militia companies, after meander- 
ing through the intricate exercise of " whipping- the- 
snake," paraded in line in the broad side-passage to his 
house, to receive their tin dipper of blackstrap, pre- 
paratory to being dismissed. Samuel Mulliken, the 
third postmaster resided here in later years ; and it 
was during his occupancy that the lordly old button- 
woods ended their career. It was in 1803, on the opening 
of the Turnpike, that Mr. Mulliken received his appoint- 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 99 

merit and removed the office to the southern end of Fed- 
eral street, or Rhodes's lane, as it was then generally 
called. 

Moving along eastward, we are presently at Carnes 
street. Just where that street now enters Boston, quite 
within my own recollection, stood the Carnes house, 
^. two-story dwelling, with a couple of enormous button- 
woods, seemingly intended to answer for gate-posts, but 
which had grown so large that persons anything above 
ordinary rotundity found it difficult to pass between. 
'Squire Carnes was a fair specimen of the dignified old- 
school gentleman, with knee-breeches and silver shoe 
buckles ; was an acting magistrate and a great terror to 
guilty culprits. In early manhood he entered the 
ministry and was settled for some years, but joined 
the Revolutionary army as a chaplain. At the close of 
the war he came to Lynn, was nine times elected Re- 
presentative, and in 1788 was a member of the Conven- 
vention to ratify the constitution of the United States. 

Two Boston street men — Ebenezer Burrill, Esquire, 
and Capt. John Mansfield — both of whom lived in this 
neighborhood, were members of the assembly which 
convened at Salem, Oct. T, 1774, to consider the state 
of public affairs. The fact seems to have been that 
Governor Gage issued a call for a meeting of the General 
Court, but, found cause to rescind the call. The dele- 
gates, however, persisted in holding a session, and 
resolved themselves into what was essentially a Pro- 



100 PART SECOND. 

vincial Congress, choosing a committee of safety, and 
adopting other precautionary measures 

Nearly opposite the Carnes house was the habitation 
of the negro Hannibal, who, though once an untutored 
slave, rose to be highly regarded for manliness of char- 
acter and useful industry. He was brought from 
Africa when a small boy, and became the property of 
John Lewis, who owned the Carnes house. Hannibal's 
master generously gave him his freedom, and the town 
gave him the little lot on which his modest habitation 
was placed. He was sexton of the Old Tunnel meeting- 
house, for many years, and ever prompt in warning the 
people of their Sunday and lecture-day duties. And, as 
he tolled the bell for the funerals of departed neighbors, 
by his solemn contenance and measured movements 
showed his tender sympathy. In after days, with his 
wife Phebe, who had been a slave to Ebenezer Hawkes, 
but whom he had redeemed by forty hard-earned pounds, 
he retired to the northern side of Walnut street, nearly 
opposite the head of Robinson, and there lived, encircled 
by a large and affectionate family, till the services of 
another were required to toll the bell for him. Phebe 
collected herbs and distilled rose and mint waters. And 
the ladies of the parish used occasionally, of a pleasant 
afternoon, to visit her, and take a cup of tea. A worthy 
son succeeded to the little estate, and the humble traffic 
still went on. Your informant well remembers having 
gone there, when a little lad, with the basket of wild 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 101 

rose leaves, gathered from the roadside, seeing them de- 
posited in the huge iron pot with its long tin nozzle, and 
returning, after a few days, for the promised bottle of 
rose-water. 

Very near where the Carnes house stood, cowered the 
little shop of Dagyr, the Welch shoemaker, who came 
here in 1750 ; a man remarkably skilful at his handicraft, 
and so noted for his taste, that ^vork came to him from 
Boston, and, indeed, distant parts of the province. Many 
a graceful bride of that day, hardly felt herself prepared 
for the nuptial ceremony, if she had failed of being sup- 
plied with a pair of Dagyr's elegant slippers. The Boston 
Gazette called him the celebrated shoemaker of Essex ; 
but he probably little thought, while whistling over his 
work, that his name would become so magnified, gen- 
erations after he had been laid in a pauper's grave. 

Close by the point we have now reached, on the 
southerly side of the street, just where the extensive 
morocco manufactory of John T. Moulton stands, was 
established, at a very early period — two centuries ago, 
without doubt — a tannery, operated for some years by 
members of the Burrill family, And two centuries is a 
long time for a business to remain on one spot, in this 
change-loving Yankee land. Just west of Mr. Moulton's 
factory, you observe an old-fashion shoemaker's shop, of 
the style common from about 1750 to 1850, when the 
workman made the shoe entirely by hand ; not, as is 
now almost literally done, by putting leather into the 
grasp of machinery and having it delivered back, in a 



102 PART SECOND. 

few minutes, ready to receive the genteelest lady's foot. 
That shop which has been repaired within two or three 
years, I remember for more than sixty years, as the 
Bowler shop. It was built in 1807, by Thomas Bowler, 
father of the Thomas Bowler who was our Town Clerk 
for seventeen years. The few specimens of these old- 
time workshops yet remaining, are fast disappearing ; 
but a very good picture of this relic is preserved in our 
"Centennial Memorial," printed in 1876, between 
pages 60 and 61. 

Keeping on, a few steps, we reach the point where 
Marion street enters Boston, and within a stone's throw, 
up at the right, amid its pleasant grassy surroundings 
stands the Doctor Flagg house, with its gambrel-roof 
and old-fashion finish, but neat and picturesque. That 
was the home of one of Lynn's most skilful physicians 
and beloved citizens. The Doctor came here in 1769, 
having received his education in Cambridge. In 1775 
he was chosen a member of the Committee of Safety, 
and commissioned as a Colonel. He died on the 27th 
of May, 1798, aged fifty years 

In the same house was born, on the :^7th of June, 
1750, Lieutenant-Governor Gray, better known, per- 
haps, as " Billy Gray," probably the most distinguished 
and successful merchant New England had, up to that 
time, produced. He was Lieutenant- Governor in 1810, 
and died November 3, 1825. His grandfather was one 
of the only three shoe manufacturers who, in 1750, did 
business enough to employ journeymen. He was the 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 103 

founder of families still among the most prominent in 
New England. William Gray Swett, who was settled 
over the Unitarian Society, on the first of January, 
1840, was a son of his only daughter. 

On the opposite, or north side of Boston street, is 
the Mansfield house, or Moulton house, as it is some- 
times called, supposed to be the oldest dwelling in Lynn, 
having been built, as tradition avers, in the same year 
of the great fire in London — 1666. In this house was 
born, on the 17th of December, 1770, Joseph Mansfield, 
who graduated from Harvard, in 1801. On the 8th of 
July, 1800, he delivered a poem in the college chapel, 
at a public exhibition, and took the prize of eighty 
dollars, which the faculty had offered for the best poetic 
production.* 

This house was owned, and for many years occupied, 
by Joseph Moulton, who died there on the 10th of 
February, 1873, aged seventy-five years. He was a 
man of marked character, and much esteemed for inteL 
ligence and kindly feelings. In antiquarian studies he 
took great interest, and brought to light many facts 
touching our early history, which, but for him, might 
have remained forever buried beneath the lumber of 
the past. Soon after the breaking out of the war of the 



* Mr John T. Moulton, in un article not long since published thus spealts of a 
singular accident which 'occurred to Mr. Mansfield: " Wlnle bat ungnear CM 
mill he was seized with the cramp in his limbs and so < i^ublol thathe cou d not 
reach the shore, and when found by his companions, who were at woik hajing 
on the marsh near by, was supposed to be drowned ; but by the application ot the 
pLper mtffns, he was' resuscitated and taken home, but did no repiu his cons- 
ciousness for some days. Then awaking from sleep he ^^^Vf/.w'^ exclaimed 
'Mother where have I been?' He seemed to have lost what knowledge he ad 
acquired and his mind was like that of a child, so that it was necessary tor him 
to begin and learn again his letters as he had previously done when a boj . 



104 PART SECOND. 

Rebellion, he became possessor of a plantation bell, 
captured in Louisiana, and this he sometimes, on occa- 
sions which seemed especially to call for the expression 
of patriotic feeling, mounted on wheels and sent clang- 
ing through the streets. He aftewards gave it to the 
trustees of Pine Grove Cemetery, and it now hangs in 
the tower of the keeper's house. Perhaps we shall be 
honored by a peal. 

Forward we move, and are presently opposite Mall 
street. Just by the upper brook, and facing Boston 
street, stood the Joel Newhall house — rather a pre- 
tentious dwelling for the time in which it was built. 
It was removed a few years ago to Walnut street, at the 
northwest corner of Federal, where it now stands. Here 
was born, on the 24th of August, 1782, Isaac Newhall, 
author of the volume of Letters, addressed to Hon. John 
Pickering, in which he endeavored to show that the 
author of the celebrated Junius Letters was Earl Temple. 
The work attracted considerable attention, as it showed 
much knowledge of English politics ; but it was not 
successful in closing the great controversy, for the world 
was hard to be convinced that the secret, which the 
mysterious author declared should die with liini, had 
been discovered. • 

In the same house was also born, on the 28th of 
August, 1798, Horatio Newliall, a brother of Isaac. 
He was a Harvard student, of the celebrated class of 
which George Bancroft, the historian, Rev. Dr. Tyng, 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 105 

of St. George's, New-York, and Caleb Gushing, 
the eminent statesman, were members. He took his 
degree in medicine, in 1821, and. soon after emigrated 
to Illinois, and became one of the first settlers of what 
was then scarcely anything more than a " howling 
wilderness." But he was full of youthful ardor and 
enterprise, and soon set the machinery of civilization in 
motion. He settled in what is now flourishing Galena, 
and edited the first newspaper published north of the 
Illinois river. The Galena Advertiser first appeared in 
1829, also under his editorial charge. In the Black 
Hawk war, he had sole control of one of the general 
hospitals, and in the war of the Rebellion was appointed 
physician of the United States Marine Hospital at Galena, 
continuing to perform the duties from 1861 to 1860. He 
died at Galena, on the 19th of September, 1870. 

Opposite, on the north side of Boston street, through 
wdiich we are moving, in the southwest corner of what 
is known, at least among our juvenile friends, as the 
Circus field, stood the old Merry house ; but we must 
pass along as time grows short, only remarking that 
here once lived Master Amos Blanchard, so long teacher 
in the little district school-house that stood with its 
jaunty and empty belfrey, at the western end of the 
open Common, unblushingly facing the downward 
stream of travel, which here diverged to right or left, 
as occasion required. He was a musician in the Revo- 
lutionary army, and had such an acute ear, that some 

said he was annoyed at a discord between drum and fife 
14 



106 PART SECOND. 

in a militia company. He played the bass viol — church 
organs not being known in Lynn till many years after, 
say, till 183G — and led the singing at the Old Tunnel, 
from 1811 to 1824. And it is well remembered, by 
your inforaiant, that when the bells upon that house and 
the first Methodist were raised, in 1816, it was said 
that he had been employed to select them, because he 
could do it and have distinguishing tones without viola- 
tion of harmony ; a characteristic, by the way, which 
the " Bells of Lynn,'' can hardly claim, at this time. 
He composed the long celebrated tune " Corinth." 

Now we are in Mansfield's end, so called from Andrew 
Mansfield, who settled here in 1640. He was the first 
official known by the distinctive name of Town Clerk, 
and died in 1692, at the age of ninety-four years. 

Just over the brook there, at the bend of Strawberry 
avenue, stnnds the house in which lived Col. John 
Mansfield, commander of the Lynn regiment at the time 
of the battle of Bunker Hill. He was not in the battle, 
however, and got into serious trouble by not being there 
with his command.* Hon. Samuel M. Bubier, the 
fifteenth Mayor of Lynn, was born in the Col. Mansfield 
house . 

* An error of some importancP, relatiui,' to Col. M uisfieUl and the battle of 
r.nnker Hill, lias ereptinto histoi-y, probably from the unsaardea manner in 
which Mr Lewis speaUs. He savs, under date, ITTi, " on the 17th of Jnne was 
foas?ht the memorable battle of Bunker Hill. The Lynn res'iment was com- 
manded bv Col. Mansfleld." Almost any one wouUl understand this to mean 
that the Colonel and his re;^iment were in the action: and relyiniion the usual 
accuracy of the author, make no farther inyestiijation. But the fact is, and we 
state it with considerable mortification, the Colonel, either through sonu; misun- 
derstandin'4 or wilful avoidance of duty, was not in the encasement, was after- 
wards tried on the charge of " remissness and Ijackvvardness in tlie execution of 
d-ity," sentenced to be cashiered, and of course retired from the seryice. Gen. 
Green was president of the court martial, which consisted of twelye liekl 
offlcei'S. 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 107 

A few rods west of Franklin street, upon Strawberry 
brook, stood the first mill within our borders — a very 
important adjunct in those days, when hasty-pudding 
and johnny-cake, were staple articles of food. 

Following up the thread of the brook, a few rods east 
.of Franklin street, upon the south side, we see the old- 
fashion dwelling which is best known at the present day, 
as the Hathorne house. Rev. Mr. Barlow, the second 
minister of the Unitarian Society, lived there ; and be- 
fore him, Capt. John White, of the United States navy, 
who attained some celebrity as an author, as well as 
naval commander. He delivered the address wel- 
coming Lafayette on his visit here on the 31st of 
August, 1824. 

This, too, was the site of the Daniel Mansfield house. 
Mr. Mansfield was an enterprising settler, and possessed 
of considerable wealth. The records show that he fig- 
ured largely in town affairs. He owned a fulling mill 
on Strawberry brook, a grist mill on Water Hill, and a 
mill at Saugus Centre, the latter including the same 
privilege now known as Pranker's. He also owned 
the slave Pompey, of whom Mr. Lewis says : " Pompey 
had been a prince in Africa ; and after his liberation 
lived in the forest on the east of" Saugus river. For 
many years, the slaves in all the neighboring towns used 
to have a holiday allowed them, once a year, to visit King 
Pompey, and doubtless this was to them a day of real 
h<f]^)piness. On the little glade by the river side, the 
maidens gathered flowers to crown their old king, and 



108 PART SECOND. 

the men talked of the happy hours they had known on 
the banks of the Gambia." In the History of Lynn, 
Pompey is named as the shive of Thomas Mansfield. 
This Thomas was a son of Daniel, and settled in Saugus, 
near the old iron works, receiving Pompey as a gift, by 
his father's will. 

' A little farther on, upon the same side of the street, 
appears the uninviting spot, once the brambly home of 
George Gray, the hermit, whose mysterious habits and 
alike mysterious history were the occasion of unending 
gossip. That he was a thinking man, and one of intel- 
ligence and ingenuity is evident ; and that he would 
sometimes walk to Boston on a cold winter night, bare- 
legged and with his only head covering a dilapidated 
straw hat, to hear a scientific lecture or attend a meet-' 
ing of savants, is very likely true. The measure of his 
eccentric intellectual stature has never been satisfactorily 
given. But his uncleanly and unwholesome appearance 
rendered him anything but attract;ive to the eye. He 
died on the 28th of February, 1848, at the age of 78 
years. 

And here, upon the other side, is our beautiful Pine 
Grove Cemetery, so beautiful that the weary soul may 
w^ell feel impatient to lie at rest there. It was consecrated 
on the 24th of July, 1850. 

We will just take a glimpse across there to North 
Bend, not to refer to anything creditable to old Boston 
street, but to remark, historically, that there stood the 
famous dance house of "Old Willis," wdiere " Lankey 



ALONG BOSTON STREET. 109 

John," and " Bet," and " Sue," and others of that 
class, assembled at "'lection time," which was the last 
Wednesday of May, with the remainder of the week 
appended, to spend the hours of clay and night in 
dancing, and often much less innocent jollification. By 
constitutional amendment, old Election was abolished 
in 1831. 

And here we will end our imaginary march ; taking 
the liberty, however, to append a few seemingly un- 
gracious compliments bestowed on the great discarded 
anniversary, by Mr. Lewis, as they appeared in the 
Lynn Mirror of May 28, 1831 : "The day in many towns, 
and formerly in this, has been literally the most rascally 
day in the whole vocabulary of anniversaries and festivals. 
Hustling coppers, drinking egg-pop, fiddling, dancing, 
playing props, and clubbing game cocks, were among 
the most harmless occupations of the day. Probably 
more sin was committed, and the foundation of a greater 
depravation of morals kid, in Election week, than in all 
the other fifty-one weeks in the year." Yet, he seems 
unable to bid a final adieu to the " time-honored " 
season, without a lingering regret, as well appears by 
a poetic effusion in another column of the same paper, 
in which these lines are found : 

" And is Election dny no more? 

Good old ' 'lection ! ' 

Ah me! — tenipora vmtantur 

Et nos nmlamur in illis ! 

No more shall we go up 

Tosee'Old W^illis!' 

He has hung up his fiddle 

On the last peg. 



110 PART SECOND. 

The days of okl ' 'lectiou are over, ' 
The glorious days of ' Lanky Johu ! ' 

* * jf; :!f: 5f; 

No more &hall we eat ' 'lection cake,' 
Or drink muddy beer 
Misnomered ' ale,' 
At ' Old Ely's.' 

Yes, ' 'lection is done, 
With all its paraphernalia 
Of coeked-up-hats and fun. 

* * * 
lo Pcvan ! 
' 'lection ' is gone 
To the tomb of the Capulets, 
And this be its epitaph - 

RiDENS MoRIAR." 

It has not been our purpose to unduly magnify this 
ancient highway, but to show that she has a history 
which, as time recedes, must come to be more and more 
regarded by all who desire to gain a competent know- 
ledge of those who have lived, and the scenes which 
have been enacted within our pleasant borders. Per- 
haps, when the five hundredth anniversary arrives, a 
procession may move along the line of our ideal march ; 
and then some hoary-headed denizen, in his now un- 
imaginable raiment, and in a yet uninvented carriage, 
may endeavor to discover, among the stately edifices 
that flank the splendid avenue, some old landmark to 
which we have alluded, and, in his unsuccessful quest, 
beghi to grieve. But his vain searchings and fruitless 
lamentations will not disturb the repose of our gene- 
ration, 

. For more than a hundred and fifty years, the great 
l)oily of travel between the metropolis and the eastern 



BUSINESS CENTRES. Ill 

country was along Boston street, though in early times 
the traveller and trader often, in good weather, had re- 
course to the smoother highway of water. 

It w^as in 1803 that the fortunes of that important 
thoroughfare began to wane, for then the Turnpike from 
Salem to Boston — the portion w^ithin our limits now 
being known as Western avenue — was opened, the 
Lynn Hotel built, and stage lines established. Then, 
too, as before remarked, the post-office, was removed to 
the southern end of Federal street. And in that vicinity 
a new business centre began speedily to form. 

For about thirty-five years, the neighborhood of the 
Hotel w^as far the most active and considerable business 
portion of the town, and the house itself enjoyed an en- 
viable reputation, — a reputation higher than that of 
almost any tavern, out of Boston, within a score of 
miles. It was known to travellers from all parts, and 
was the stopping place of Governors and Presidents. 
Numerous stage-coaches drew^ up there, that the pas- 
sengers might alight for relief to their cramped limbs, 
and perhaps for a little " refreshment " at the bar. And 
private carriages, of all descriptions, were constantly 
passing and pausing. Few of those who have known 
Lynn only for the last thirty-five years, can have an 
adequate conception of the busy scenes of this quarter 
during the period alluded to.* 

* An unbroken line of liorse sheds extended ulonir tbe wliole eastern sided 
Centre street, from Xortli Common to the Turnjiike, and sometimes every one 
of them was occupied, with an overplus of teams liitclied to posts on either side 
of tlie house. 



112 PART SECOND. 

Foot-journeying was much more common in those 
days than now. The cost of riding was far greater, :ind 
there was no considerable saving of time, for a rapid 
walker would often reach Boston about as soon as a slow 
horse. The Turnpike, on some great occasions, almost 
swarmed with pedestrians, and there were often good- 
natured trials of speed. The writer has many times walked 
from Lynn to Boston and back, on a hot summer or cold 
winter day. 

In 1838, commenced another great neighborhood 
change. It was then that the Eastern Railroad was opened, 
and business began to retreat eastward. The post-office, 
somewhat in the character of a business thermometer, 
passed a few degrees on, to the corner olf Pleasant street, 
after having remained in the Hotel neighborhood from 
1803. The stages, with their prancing steeds and jolly 
drivers, began rapidly to disappear, a number of the 
latter being taken as conductors on the railroad ; the 
pedestrians began to thin out, as it was found to be 
more economical, as well -is pleasant, to ride in the swift- 
moving and confortable cars ; and soon the rattle of the 
lighter carriages, and the grating and groaning of the 
heavy teams, became less and less frequently heard. 

The principal railroad station w^as in Central Square, 
where it yet remains, and towards it business from all 
quarters began to gravitate, though Market street has 
proved, in some respects, an insurmountable barrier. To 
Market street the post-office speedily proceeded, and 
there it has remaineil nearly forty years. 



PROGRESS OF LYNN. 113 



For the first two hundred years the material progress 
of Lynn was quite gradual ; but by industry the people 
were well supplied with all the necessaries of life ; few 
were without the comforts, and few possessed the luxu- 
ries. The arable patches about the dwellings produced 
vegetables and fruits which could be exchanged for 
other commodities — for fish and a little butcher's meat. 
The sea, the clam-banks and lobster-rocks yielded their 
dainty stores. In the fields, considerable quantities of 
flax were produced, which was rotted in the beautiful 
pond which still retains the name it received from that 
circumstance of its usefulness, or on the dewy slopes 
nearer home. From the flax, the industrious housewife 
made a durable, though not very handsome, cloth, some 
of which could be disposed of in Boston and Salenj for 
more genteel fabrics. The social equality was more 
distinctly marked here, than in most of the seaboard 
communities of New England. Scarcely any were above 
the necessity of labor of some kind, and their employ- 
ments were such that accumuiation was by slow degrees. 
Being so situated, of course the revulsions that never fail 
to periodically occur in commercial places, were here 
but indirectly felt. 

For many years after the settlements constituting 
Essex county began, several held a position far ahead 
of Lynn in apparent prosperity and wealth. Even so late 
as 1820, we were but the fifth in the county in point of 
population, and probably still farther in the rear in the 

matter of wealth. Our good neighbors, Salem and 

15 



114 PART SECOND. * 

Marblehead, till the decline in the foreign commerce of 
the one and in the fisheries and West India trade of the 
other, could quite look down upon us But a change 
has taken place. The industries of our neighbors, from 
uncontrolable causes declined, while by her more humble 
occupation, as it seemed to be considered, Lynn kept 
steadily progressing, and may now congratulate herself 
as in advance of all the other early- settled towns of old 
Essex ; a notable example, some political economist 
might say, of the truth that diligent and persistent 
labor, with small but regular gains, has, in the long 
run, a substantial advantage over the more hazardous 
occupations, and all speculative or semi-speculative 
pursuits. 

■ In the matter of architecture, Lynn, has, within the 
last quarter of a century, made wonderful progress ; 
especially since the erection of our present City Hall. The 
whole aspect of the place has changed. Some of our public 
edifices, business structures, and private residences are 
among the finest to be found in the State outside of Boston. 
Most of the leading " improvments " of the day have been 
promptly adopted — gas for the illumination of our 
streets and the lighting of our places of business and 
dwellings — the telegraphic fire-alarm, to insure the 
utmost promptness in arresting the incipient conflagra- 
tion — the public water for domestic and other uses — 
the public drainage, to ensure against epidemics and 



TOWN MEETINGS. 115 

odors — in short, every really desirable adjunct for a 
flourishing, well-ordered, and growing community. 

In the introductory remarks, it may have been noticed, 
a few words are said touching the early institution of 
the Town Meeting. Even a skeleton history of the mu- 
nicipal gatherings known by that captivating name, for 
the first two hundred years, embracing the discussions 
on important topics and the results of the deliberations, 
would be most interesting, and certain to exhibit the 
true character, condition, and purpose of the people. In 
such a history would naturally appear the political, 
financial, and to a considerable extent the moral and 
social aspects. There would appear some jealous, dis- 
satisfied, and contentions spirits, and some as mild as 
moonlight ; some great interests calling for regula- 
tion and some petty sectional questions. True enough, 
every community, large or small, as well as every indi- 
vidual, has a little sleeping cause or two for quarrel lying 
by, which may be aroused, if occasion requires, to break 
the monotony if things get running too smoothly ; but 
these are only incidentals that perhaps serve a good 
purpose in whetting up the faculties, without essentially 
changing the character. 

The Town Meetings of Lynn were at first held every 
three months ; often enough, one would suppose, for the 
settlement of the limited public business of that day. 
But it should be remembered that the settlers were 
widely scattered, and frequent meetings were desirable 



116 PART SECOND. 

not only for action upon matters of strictly public 
concern, but for the opportunities afforded to discuss 
affairs of a more private nature, for free debate on indi- 
vidual interests, purposes, and prospects ; for unre- 
strained gossip, perhaps. There were likewise some- 
things to dispose of, such as do not appear in our day. 
A good deal of wood was cut in common to be dispensed 
by lot ; also the grass upon the marshes. There were 
no newspapers, in those days, to regulate affairs, public 
and private. 

For some fifty years the Town Meetings were held in 
the first meeting-house. It was a small and very plain 
wooden structure, inferior in appearance to many out- 
houses of the present day, and stood in a hollow at what 
is now the northeastern corner of Shepard and Summer 
streets, being thus placed for protection against the 
winds which had an almost unobstructed sweep across 
the plain. It was also used for other purposes, as we 
find by the Colony Records that in 1641 it was permitted 
to be used as a watch house. 

In 1682, the renowned Old Tunnel meeting house 
was reared upon the Common. It stood about opposite 
where Whiting street comes in ; and there Town 
Meetings were held till 1806 — almost a century and a 
quarter. And having at hand a very good picture of 
that venerable structure, which has not yet, though en- 
tirely changed in appearance, been altogether annihi- 
lated, the reader shall have the benefit of its introduc- 
tion here, with" the prefactory remark that the writer. 



TOWN MEETINGS. 



117 



in his early (lays, has beheld many such scenes around 
it as that represented by the engraving. 




OLD TUNNEL MEETING HOUSE.— Erected in 1682. Keuioveil, 1827. 



In 1806 the Town Meetings began to be held in the 
Methodist meeting-house at the east end of the Com- 
mon ; not the same building now standing there, and 
known as the "Old Methodist Church," which was 
built in 1812, but a much more humble structure, 
which, after being removed to Ash street, became a 
Baptist house of worship, then a school-house, then a 
Roman Catholic Church, and finally, was destroyed by 
fire, on the night of May 28, 1859. 



118 PART SECOND. 

But the time arrived when public necessity, coupled, 
possibly, with a little municipal pride, required that the 
town should have some building of its own in which 
to transact the increased business. And so, in 1814, the 
famous old Town House appeared. It stood on the 
middle of the then unfenced Common, nearly opposite 
where Hanover street now opens ; was of wood ; had 
originally a hipped roof, and was not in appearance such 
an edifice as an architect of taste would be inclined to 
imitate with much exactness. Yet it was a building 
which, with occasional alterations and repairs, answered 
a good purpose till the proud days of the city organiza- 
tion ; indeed its history runs some thirteen years into the 
halcyon times of the Charter, when, on its renewed 
christening, it received the more dignified name of City 
Hall, the interior being remodelled and the exterior re- 
painted. From this time till its destruction by fire, on 
the morning of October 6, 1864, it remained our muni- 
cipal headquarters. As just remarked, it originally 
had a hipped roof; but in 1832, when it was removed 
to the site on which it passed the remainder of its days 
of public usefulness, namely, the point where Blossom 
street now enters South Common, the roof was changed 
to the gable form, and the interior finished, so that it 
made a much more respectable appearance, and was 
rendered additionally convenient for the many purposes 
for which such a building was needed, at that time. 
This having been the first structure erected here for 
municipal uses, we are induced to perpetuate a kut)w- 



TOWN MEETINGS. 



113 



ledge of its features, by a pictorial representation now 
at hand, and which we were fortunate enough to have 
taken by the photographic process a few weeks before 
it was destroyed. 




TOWN HOUSE.— Kreuted ISU. Desti-oyed by Are, 1804. 



After the destruction of the Town House, an interval 
of about three years followed before the present stately 
City Hall was ready for occupancy ; during w^hich in- 
terval the municipal fathers had accomodation in rooms 
fitted up to receive them, in the brick building of 
George K. and Henry A. Pevear, on Washington street, 
in the vicinity of Central Square. The necessity of en- 
larged accomodations in the near future, had been clearly 
perceived ; and in I860, the year before the destruction of 
the old building, the site on which our present City 
Hall stands had been purchased. It is needless to add, 
that since the erection of that imposing edifice, which 
was dedicated, with stirring ceremonies, on the last day 
,o.f November, 1867, our municipal affairs have been 



120 



PART SECOND. 



conducted there ; and it is probable that generations 
will come and go before posterity will be exercised on 
the usually disturbing questions of the location of a 
new edifice for such purposes 




CITY HALL.— Erected, 1SG7. 



At this point, perhaps, it is most appropriate to in- 
troduce a catalogue of the Chief Magistrates of Lynn, from 
the formation of the City Goverment to the present time 
— from 1850 to 1880 — during the latter of which 
years our present work is put to press. But as intro- 



OUR CITY'S BIRTHPLACE. 



121 



ductory to such catalogue, let us present a faithful picture 
of what may be called our City's birthplace — the old 
Lyceum Hall, which stood on Market street. It was of 
wood, and cost about $10,000. In it commenced the 
disastrous fire of Christmas night, 1868, — a fire which 
not only consumed that, but, leaping across Summer 
street, destroyed the fine brick blocks belpnging to 
Lyman B. Frazier and Samuel M. Bubier. The cir- 
cumstance giving it the credit of being our City's birth- 
place is, that there the first City Government was orga- 
nized, on the 14th of May, 1850. At the time of its 
erection in 1841, we thought it rather a grand, if not 
extravagant, building. But in comparison with Odd 
FeUows' Hall, which now occupies the spot on which it 
stood, it presents no very imposing appearance. 




LYCEUM HALT-.— Lrcfted, 184L Destroyed by Are, 1868. 



122 



PART SECOND. 



Partly for the purpose of giving an idea of the late 
progress in architecture in our city, but more espe- 
cially for the purpose of giving a view of the seat of the 
Banquet that afforded so creditable a gastronomic and 
so enjoyable an intellectual entertainment, on the me- 
morable Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary, we 
append a view of Odd Fellows' Hall. 




ODD FELLOWS' HALL.— Kiected, 1S72. 



MAYORS OF bYNN. 

It was at first intended to give a mere tabular state- 
ment of names and dates under this head. But on the 
whole, it seemed desirable to present a point or two in 
the life of each, to the end that a glimpse at least of 
prominent characteristics might be had. Great brevity 
will necessarily be preserved ; but that is not so much 
to be regretted, as in the " Centennial Memorial," pub- 
lished in 1876, appear such biographical notices of all 
the Mayors, up to the time of the issuing of that work, 
as would render any further attempt here rather a work 
of supererogation. 




GEORGE HOOD. 

Mr. Hood was our first Mayor, and served two terms, 
his inaugurations taking place on the 14th of May, 1850, 
and the 7th of April, 1851. He was a native of Lynn, born 
November 10, 1806, and descended from an ancient resi- 
dent family. Realizing that his success in life would 
depend upon his own exertions, he soon applied himself 
industriously to business pursuits, chiefly in the shoe 



124 PART SECOND. 

and leather line; and by the time he had attained middle 
life, had secured a fair forture He naturally possessed 
boldness of character and indomitable perseverance, and 
was not void of ambition for political distinction. 
For many years he was an active and intelligent local 
leader in the Democratic party, and was elected to im- 
portant positions ; was several times a Representative in 
the General Court, a Senator in 1843, and a member 
of the Convention for revising the state Constitution, in 
1853. He read much in solid works, had a retentive 
memory, and appreciative mind ; and in speaking, 
always commanded attention, though not what would 
commonly be called an orator. He married, Sept. 11, 
1833, Miss Hermeone A., daughter of Major Aaron 
Breed, and became the father of thirteen children. He 
died on the 29th of June, 1859. 



^^7(T^^^^2^ C^, 




BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MUDGE. 



Our second Mayor — reckoning, of course, by persons 
and not by terms — Mr. Mudge, was inaugurated on the 
16th of June, 1852. He was a native of Orrington, 
]Me., and born August 11, 1817, his parents, though 
really of Lynn, being temporary residents of that place.' 
Becoming, as he approached manhood, ambitious of en- 
tering a profession, he industriously applied himself to 



MAYORS OF LYNN. 125 

the labors of the workshop, to procure the means to gain 
an education. He graduated from the Wesleyan Uni- 
versity, at Middletown, Ct., with the 184U class, soon 
commenced the study of law, in the office of J. C. 
Stickney, Esq., and in about two years entered the bar, 
commenced practice here, and continued in active busi- 
ness about fifteen years. He then left Lynn, and after 
residing a short time in Kentucky, in 1863 settled in 
Kansas. On leaving Lynn, he ceased the practice of 
law, and when in Kansas employed himself chiefly in 
scientific pursuits, was elected professor of " Geology 
and Associated Sciences," in the State Agricultural 
College at Manhattan, and spent much time in later 
years, in prosecuting geological surveys, under govern- 
ment appointment. He acquired an excellent reputation 
in the state of his adoption. On the 16th of September, 
1846, he married Miss Mary E. A. Bickford, and be- 
came the father of six children. He died at his residence 
in Manhattan, on the 21st of November, 1879. 




DANIEL COLLINS BAKER. 



Mr. Baker, our third Mayor, was inaugurated on the 
4th of April, 1853. He was born in Lynn, October 14, 
1816, and belonged to an old Lynn family. His busi- 
ness life was chiefly devoted to the shoe and leather 
trade. He was intelligent, active in public affairs, of 



126 PART SECOND. 

genial manners, sufficiently fond of display, and withal a 
zealous politician and excellent presiding officer. He 
served for two terms in the Massachusetts Senate, and 
was elected President of the Common Council, at our 
first Charter organization. He was united in marriage, 
December 19, 1838, to Augusta A., daughter of John 
B. Chase, and was the father of one son and two 
daughters. 




THOMAS PAGE RICHARDSON. 

Mr. Richardson, our fourth Mayor, was born in Lynn, 
on the 27th of July, 1816. At about the age of twenty- 
four, he began business as a shoe manufacturer, and 
continues to successfully conduct the same to the present 
time. In manners he is courteous and dignified, and 
has long taken great interest in reformatory movements. 
From early life he has been connected with the First 
Methodist Society of Lynn, and continues an active and 
exemplary member, bearing likewise prominent relations 
to the Methodist communion at large. He was a select- 
man during the last year of the old town government, 
and a member of the first City Council. On the 19th 
of May, 1841, he married Miss Harriet Tapley, and 
became the father of four children. 



MAYORS OF LYNN. 127 

ANDREWS BREED. 

Our fifth Mayor, Mr. Breed, was inaugurated on the 
1st of January, 1855. He was born in Lynn on the 
20th of September, 1794. His employments have varied 
with different periods of his life. He was in the West 
India goods business, for some time ; conducted the 
Lynn Hotel during many of its most successful years ; 
was an active member of the old Whaling Company ; 
for thirty-four years Secretary and Treasurer of the 
Lynn Mutual Fire Insurance Company ; and ten years 
president of the Lynn Institution for Savings. He held 
several offices under the old town government, and was 
Chief Engineer of the Fire Department for seven years. 
Promptness and perseverance have been among his prom- 
inent characteristics. He was united in marriage, 
August 29, 1822, to Miss Susan Davis, of Westford, 
and became the father of six children. He is at present 
a resident of Lancaster, Mass., and is both mentally and 
physically remarkably vigorous for one of his years. 




EZRA WARREN MUDGE. 

Mr. Mudge, our sixth Mbyor, was born in Lynn, on 



128 PART SECOND. 

the 5th of December, 1811. After obtaining a fair edu- 
cation, and devoting some months to uncongenial pur- 
suits, he entered the dry goods store of Chase & Huse, 
in the western part of the town. And in that establish- 
ment, first as clerk and salesman and then as partner, 
he remained till 1849, at which time the Laighton, — 
afterwards the Central National — Bank was established, 
and he was elected cashier, a position which he con- 
tinued most creditably to fill, till his last sickness 
compelled a resignation. So much reliance was placed 
on Mr. Mudge's integrity and good judgment in the 
management of public affairs, that his services were almost 
constantly in demand. Before the formation of the City 
Government he was a Selectman, and for a number of 
years Town Treasurer, likewise holding the ofiice of 
Treasurer for six years after the adoption of the Charter. 
He was twice elected Mayor, and inaugurated on the 
7th of January, 1856, and on the 5th of January, 1857. 
On the 23rd of January, 1837, he was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Eliza R. Bray, of Salem, and became the 
father of nine children. His death took place on the 
20th of September, 1878. 




^.'Z^^^^^ 



WILLIAM FKEDEKK; .JOHNSON. 



Mr. Johnson, our seventh Mayor, was inaugurated 
on the 4th of January, 1858. He was born at Nahant, 



MAYORS OF LYNN. 129 

then a part of Lynn, on the 3 0th of July, 1819. He 
has acceptably served the public in various offices since 
the adoption of the City Charter. In 1852 and '53 he 
was a member of the board of Assessors, and again in 
1860 and '61. In 1855, and again in 1874, he was a 
member of the Board of Aldermen. In 1856 he was a 
Representative in the General Court, and in 1862 and 
'63 a Senator. In 1864 he was appointed by Governor 
Andrew, State Paymaster, at Washington. In 1865, 
he was chosen Secretary of the Lynn Mutual Fire Insur- 
ance Company, and holds that office to the present day. 
These positions, and others equally important, perhaps, 
though of a less public nature, sufficiently attest the con- 
fidence of his fellow citizens in his integrity and ability. 
He has been twice married, first, in 1842, to Miss 
Abby Stone, and second, in 1850, to Miss Lurancy H. 
Dexter, and by the latter has had five children, but 
two of whom are now living. 




EDWARD SWAIN DAVI' 



Mr. Davis served two terms, having been inaugurated 
on the. 3rd of January, 1859, and the 2nd of 
January, 1860. He was born in Lynn on the 22nd of 
.Fune, 1808, and on the maternal side is a descendant 



n 



130 PART SECOND. 

from Rev. Stephen Bachelor, the first minister of the 
Lynn Church. In early life, after procuring a good 
school education, Mr. Davis served as clerk in both the 
old Mechanics and Nahant banks, and of the latter he 
was cashier at the time of the closing up of its affairs. 
Subsequently he was for a time engaged in the shoe 
business. Later, he accepted a situation in the United 
States Bonded Warehouse at Boston. In 1861, how- 
ever, he entered as a clerk in the State Auditor's de- 
partment, and in that office still remains, at present 
occupying the position of First Clerk. In 1838 he was 
elected a Representative to the General Court, and for 
four years was President of the Common Council. He 
was likewise something of a military man, and in 1835, 
was elected Major of an Essex County Regiment of 
Light Infantry, and afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel. Mr. 
Davis is a gentleman of somewhat retiring habits, intelli- 
gent and dignified in manners ; a lover of good reading, 
as evidenced by the gathering of a large library, and 
much esteemed in social life. In 1830, he married Miss 
Alvira, daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Newhall, but has 
no children. 



HIRAM NICHOLS BREED. 

Mr. Breed, our ninth Mayor, was inaugurated on the 
7th of January, 1861. He was born in Lynn on the 2d 
of September, 1809, and belongs to o:ie of our most an- 



MAYORS OF LYNN. 131 

cient and respectable families. His long life has been 
a useful one. For many years he occupied a shoemaker's 
seat, though soon after attaining manhood his services 
in various public departments were in demand. He was 
one of the selectmen when the town government gave 
place to the city; and though, like Mr. Hood, an 
opponent of the change, h^d an honest desire, when it 
was fairly made, to do his utmost to secure beneficial 
results. He ^vas a member of the first and second boards 
of Aldermen, and efficient in getting the new municipal 
machinery in successful operation ; was a Representa- 
tive in the Legislature in 1848 and 1850, and a member 
of the Constitutional Convention, in 1853. He served 
in various other offices ; but perhaps in no subordinate 
position have his services been so highly appreciated as 
in the highway department For many years, both under 
the town and city governments, our streets have borne 
ample testimony of his skill and care. Steadiness of 
purpose and fearlessess in duty have been characteristics 
of his. On the 4th of July, 1830, he married Nancy, 
a daughter of Caleb Stone, and by her has had ten 
children. 





PETER MORUELL NEAL. 



Our tenth Mayor, Mr. Neal, occupied the office for 
four terms. He was inaugurated on the 6th of January, 



132 PART SECOND. 

1862, on the 5th of January, 1863, on the 4th of 
January, 1864, and on the 2ncl of January, 1865. He 
is a native of North Berwick, Me., and was born on the 
21st of September, 1811. In early manhood he was a 
successful school teacher, but relinguished that occupa- 
tion, and on coming to Lynn, soon after the establish- 
ment of the City Grovernment, engaged in the lumber 
business, which he has continued to pursue till the 
present time. Our good people, soon after he came among 
us, perceiving in him qualities desirable in the manage- 
ment of public affairs, availed themselves of his services. 
He was elected a Representative to the General Court, 
in 1870 and '71, and a Senator in 1876. He admi- 
nistered our city affairs during a period of much per- 
plexity and labor — the. period of the Rebellion — and 
acquitted himself with marked ability and to general 
satisfaction. In 1836 he married Lydia, daughter of 
Edward Cobb, of Portland, Me., and became the father 
of four children. 




KOLAXD GREENE USHEK. 

Mr. Usher, our eleventh Mayor, was three times 
elected to the office, and Avas inaugurated on the 1st of 
January, 1866, on the 7th of January, 1867, and 
on the 6th of January, 1868. He was a native of 
Medford, in Middlesex county, and born on the 6th of 
January, 1823. He became a resident of Lynn, in 



MAYORS OF LYNN. 133 

early life, and has spent most of his time here. He has 
had much experience in public life, and always acquitted 
himself in a faithful and acceptable manner. In the 
administration of state aifairs he has served as a 
member of the House of Representatives and three 
years as a member of the Executive Council. In 
City affairs, he has served as Common Councilman 
and Alderman, two terms in each capacity. But 
perhaps he is more widely known and appreciated 
for his efficient services during the war of the Rebellion. 
Besides several minor, though really important, appoint- 
ments, he wasPaymaster-in-Chief of the Department of 
the Gulf, the Department of Annapolis, and the Depart- 
ment of Virginia and North Carolina, performing his 
arduous duties with credit to. himself and satisfaction 
to the government. In 1871, he received the appoint- 
ment of United States Marshal for the Massachusetts 
District, and was re-appointed on the expiration of his 
term, in 1875. On the 5th of June, 1844, he married 
Miss Caroline M., daughter of Daniel L. Mudge, and 
became the father of four children. 



^^'-lyi.iyCJ 





.JAMES NEEDHAM TUFKUM. 

Mr. Bulfum, our twelfth Mayor, is a native of North 
Berwick, Me., and was born on the 16th of May, 1807. 
His first inauguration was on the 4th of January, 1869, 



134 PART SECOND. 

and his second on the 1st of January, 1872. He be- 
came a resident of Lynn in early life, and by his stirring 
habits, positive character, and readiness to engage in 
any useful and promising enterprise, soon made a favor- 
able mark. For some twenty years he was a master 
house-builder, and has otherwise been engaged in various 
kinds of carpenter work and the lumber trade, as well as 
occasionally dealing largely in real estate. In 18G8, he 
was one of the Massachusetts Prcsidential Electors, and 
in 1874 a Representative in the Legislature. He is a 
ready speaker, often indulging in a humorous strain, 
not always forgetful of his own triumphs, but command- 
mg attention from the by-current of good sense. Pos- 
sessing great elasticity of character, self-reliance and 
courage, he has, with almost wonderful facility, recovered 
from the occasional reverses which he, in common with 
almost every business man, has met, during his long 
and active life. Mr. BulTLim, on the 20th of Aprils 
1821, married Miss Ruth, daughter of Dr. Aaron 
Lummus, and has had six children. 



n 



EDWIN WALDEX, 

Our thirteenth Mayor was Edwin Walilen, who served 
twa terms, having been inaugurated on the 3rd of 
January, 1870, and on the 2nd of January, 1S7L 
He was born in Lynn, on the 25th of November, 1818,, 
and has always resided here with the exception of one: 



MAYORS OF LYNN. 13/) 

or two brief intervals. His chief business has been in 
the shoe manufacturing line. Since the formation of the 
City Government he has been much in public life ; has 
. served in the Common Council and the Board of Aldermen. 
He has likewise been a Representative in the General 
Court, and a Senator. His services in the early efforts 
for the introduction of pure water, for public and do- 
mestic purposes, were efficient and highly appreciated ; 
and he has held the office of President of the Water 
Board ever since its formation. He has, likewise, held 
several special appointments, demanding care and good 
judgment, such as State Prison Inspector, superintendent 
of the erection of the State Asylum for the insane, at 
Danvers, and President of the Boston, Revere Beach and 
Lynn Railroad. As a terse and effective speaker and 
writer he has a high reputation. He was maaried, in 
. 1850, to Miss Ann Maria, daughter of Henry Farmer, 
of Boston, and has had six children. 



"^^ c c/^ ^Of c^!^^^^ 



JACOB MEEK LEWI:S. 

Mr. Lewis was our fourteenth Major, reckoning, of 
course, as before remarked, by persons and not by terms, 
and served four years, having been inaugurated on the 
6th of January, 1873, the 5th of January, 1874, tJie 4th 
of January, 1875, and the 3rd of January, 1876. He 
wns born in Lynn, on the 13th of October, 1823, and 



136 PART SECOND. 

comes in the line of one of our most ancient families. The 
chief part of his business life has been devoted to the 
shoe trade, though his earlier business efforts were in 
other directions. He became a member of the city 
government in its earlier years, and has devoted much 
time and careful attention to the public interests. For 
nine terms he was a member of the Board of Alder- 
men, some of them during the perplexing and laborious 
times of the Rebellion. These facts, and the fact of 
his having so many times, been called to the Chief 
Magistrate's Chair, abundantly testify to the confidence 
the people have in his ability, integrity and efficiency. 
On the loth of October, 1845, he married Roxanna, a 
daughter of Joshua Stone, but has had no children. 

SAMUEL MANSFIELD BUBIEK. 

Mr. Bubier, our fifteenth Mayor, was twice elected to 
the office, and inaugurated on the 1st of January, 1877, 
and the 7th of January, 1878. He is a native of 
Lynn, and was born on the 23rd of June, 1816. His 
whole business life has been^ connected with the shoe 
trade ; and he has been a manufacturer for forty years, 
a considerable portion of the time on quite a large scale. 
Few persons of the present generation have done more to 
advaiTfce our staple industry than he, as he has ever held 
himself ready to introduce new and approved machinery, 
and to adopt any plan calculated to advance the interests 



MAYORS OF LYNN. 137 

of the trade. Some of the finest business buildings in 
the city were erected by him, and he has long been 
regarded as an enterprising, faithful and meritorious 
citizen. On the 30th of October, 1844, he married 
Miss Mary W. Todd, of To^sfield, Mass., and became 
the father of three sons and one daughter. 




C^c^,^<^€yt'€'^:i^^^f-t^^^ . 



GEORGE PLAISTED SANDERSON. - 

Mr. Sanderson, our sixteenth, and present Mayor, 
was inaugurated on the 6th of January, 1879. He was 
born in Gardiner, Me., on the 22nd of November, 1836, 
was the son of a Methodist clergyman, and received a 
very fair education. Possessing great confidence in his 
ability to make his own way in the world, he some 
years before his majority left home and began to provide 
for himself, procuring a respectable livelihood, by his 
industry and frugality. For most of his business life 
he has been engaged as operative, agent or manufacturer, 
in some department of the shoe trade, chiefly in Lynn. 
He was here during the famous shoemakers' strike, in 
1860, espousing the cause of the operatives ; and again 
in the strike of 1872. Indeed he has all along been, 
identified with the workingmen's interests, and as a 
leader, has retained the confidence and support of his 
party. 



18 



138 PART SECOND. 

In 1862 he enlisted in the 36th Regiment of Massa- 
chusetts volunteers, faithfully performed his duties as a 
soldier, and was honorably discharged at the close of 
the war. He administered the high office of Mayor so 
acceptably during the first term that his re-election was 
secured by a flattering vote. He is a good speaker and 
superior presiding officer. On the 3rd of July, 1859, 
he married Miss Julia A., daughter of William H. Mills, 
and has four sons. 

The foregoing list is a full catalogue of our Mayors, 
to the present time. Cotempornry residents will at once 
remark that it embraces individuals of very differ- 
ent characteristics, attainments, and experiences And 
it is well, perhaps, that it has been so ; for it is un- 
doubtedly advantageous to have such a position occupied 
by those of differing qualifications. No one can possess 
all the good qualities, and that in which one is deficient 
may be supplied by another ; thus useful enterprises 
may be advanced with renewed vigor, and new schemes 
of improvement inaugurated. 

It has been the privilege of the writer to have had 
some acquaintance with all the Mayors — slight, indeed, 
in some cases, but in others intimate, — and while it is 
not possible to say what might have been, if* different 
individuds had filled the office, he cannot pass on to 
other topics, without recording his conviction that all 
have been actuated by an honest endeavor to promote 



PUBLIC OFFICERS. 139 

the best interests of the city ; an endeavor, the success 
of which has been manifest in constant progress and 
general thrift. 

No more suitable place, than the one we have now 
reached, will probably be found for the introduction of a 
list or two of other municipal officers. It is always 
convenient, in a work in any way relating to public 
affairs, to have a catalogue of the chief officers at hard, 
a convience well worth the space that would ordinarily 
be required ; and besides, it is desirable, both by way 
of example and grateful remembrance, to perpetuate the 
names of those who have faithfully served the public. 
Of course there must be a limit to the introduction of 
such matter, and for much information of the kind 
resort must be had to public documents. 



140 



PART SECOND. 



PRESIDENTS OF COMMON COUNCIL AND CITY 
TREASURERS. 



PRESIDENTS OF THE COMMON 
COUNCIL. 

With the years in which they were Elected. 

1850. Daniel C. Baker. 

1851. James R. Newhall. 

1852. Edward S. Davis. 

1853. Edward S. Davis. 

1854. Gustavus Attwill. 

1855. Gilbert Hawkes. 

1856. Edward S. Davis. 

1857. Edward S. Davis. 

1858. Edwin Q. Bacheller. 

1859. Nathan Clark. 

1860. Noah Robinson. 

1861. George H. Chase. 

1862. George H. Chase. 

1863. Jesse L. Attwill. 

1864. Jes^e L. Attwill. 

1865. Jesse L. Attwill. 

1866. Jesse L. Attwill. 

1867. Theodore Attwill. 

1868. Theodore Attwill. 

1869. Nathan M. Hawkes. 

1870. Nathan M. Hawkes. 

1871. Bowman B. Breed. 

1872. Nathan M. Hawkes. 

1873. Bowman B. Breed.* 

1874. William C. Holder. 

1875. George D. Whittle. 

1876. George T. Newhall. 

1877. George T. Newhall. 

1878. George T. Newhall. 

1879. Charles E. Kimball. 

1880. George C. Neal. 



CITY TREASURERS. 
With the years in which they were Elected. 

1850. Ezra W. Mudge. 

1851. Ezra W. Mudge. 

1852. Ezra W. Mudge. 

1853. Ezra W. Mudge. 

1854. Ezra W. Mudge. 

1855. Ezra W. Mudge. 

1856. William Bassett. 

1857. William Bassett. 

1858. William Bassett. 

1859. William Bassett. 

1860. William Bassett. 

1861. William Bassett. 

1862. William Bassett. 

1863. William Bassett. 

1864. William Bassett. 

1865. Elbridge Lovejoy. 

1866. Elbridge Lovejoy. 

1867. Elbridge Lovejoy, 

1868. Elbridge Lovejoy. 

1869. AVarren Newhall. 

1870. Warren Newhall. 

1871. George D. Whittle. 

1872. George D. Whittle. 

1873. Charles F. Patch. 

1874. Thomas B. Knight. 

1875. Thomas B. Knight. 

1876. Thomas B. Knight. 

1877. Thomas B. Knight. 

1878. Thomas B. Knight. 

1879. Benjamin F. Peach, Jr. 

1880. Benjamin F. Peach, Jr. 



* Dr. Breerl died Dec. IG. and Ezra Baker was elected President for the re- 
maimler of the year. 



TOWN CLERKS. 141 

CLERKS OF THE WRITS, AND TOWN CLERKS. 



CLERKS OF THE WRITS. 



1640. Richard Sadler. 
1643. Edward Tomlins. 
1645. Edward Burcham. 



1655. William Longley. 
1662. John Fuller. 



TOWN 



1660. Andrew Mansfield. 
1672. Thomas Laighton. 
1686. Oliver Purchis. 
1691. John Burrill. 
1722. Richard Johnson. 
1749. John Fuller. 

1755. Joseph Fuller. 

1756. Ebenezer Burrill. 
1765. Nathaniel Henchman. 
1767. Ebenezer Burrill. 
1775. Benjamin NewhaJl. 



CLERK S. 

1777. William Collins. 

1784. Benjamin Johnson. 

1785. William Collins. 

1786. Ephraim Breed. 
1804. Henry Hallowell. 
1820. Samuel Hallowell. 
1831. Thomas Bowler. . 

1847. Jacob Batchelder. 

1848. Thomas Bowler. 

1849. William Bassett. 



It would be gratifying to give brief biographical no- 
tices of all the above-named Clerks, with fac-similes of 
their autographs, most of which may be easily obtained, 
did space allow. The first four of the Town Clerks, 
however — the last one especially — in view of their 
services in most trying colonial times, ought not to be 
passed by in entire silence. 



cAJx^i)^ 7npyy^^^<^^ 



ANDREW MANSFIELD. 

Mr. Mansfield came from Exeter, England, and settled 
in Lynn, in 1640. He lived on Boston street, in the 
quarter still called Mansfield's end, which as before 



142 PART SECOND. 

stated, took its name from him. It may be noticed that 
he spelled his name Mansf-e-i-ld, and that seems to have 
been the mode in the family, for many years. The above 
is a fac-simile of his signature to the copy of three pages 
taken " out of the Town Book of Records of Lynn, the 
10th 1 mo. Anno Domini, 59, 60 "—[March 10, 1660]— 
which three pages were a record of the land allotments 
of 1638, are several times referred to in this work, and 
appear in the History of Lynn, under the latter date. 
The signature is followed by the official designation of 
" Town Recorder " ; and he has always been spoken of 
as our first Town Clerk, that rather ambiguous official 
the " Clerk of the Writs," being placed in a different 
category. He was first called to fill the office in 1660. 

He seems to have been a man of substance and enter- 
prise, but not entirely free from difficulties with neigh- 
boring settlers. Judging from what can be gathered of 
his history, he must have had a strong will, with a 
temperament determined, though not defiant ; and, 
unlike his sturdy friend up by the iron works, could not 
have been much inclined to maintain his personal rights, 
or support his official dignity by pugilistic encounters, 
rather choosing to resort to the legal arena for the settle- 
ment of his controversies. 

In 1663, he was complained of, to the Lynn church, 
by John Hathorne, for having committed perjury in the 
famous Longley land case. The church censured him, 
but on his appeal to the law court, Harthorne was ad- 



TOWN CLERKS. . 143 

judged guilty of slander, and ordered to " pay a fine of 
£10 and make public acknowledgement, in the meeting- 
house at Lynn, or else pay =£20." This notable case 
created a good deal of ferment, and some warm, almost 
angry, discussion between the judicial and ecclesiatic 
authorities. 

Mr. Mansfield had a son Andrew, who was a Repre- 
sentative for three terms, the first, in 1680. Descendants 
of his are yet among us. 

THOMAS LAUGHTON. 

Mr. Laughton, the second Town Clerk, was elected 
in 1672, and seems to have remained in office till 1686, 
when he gave place to Oliver Purchis. On the Colony 
Records, his name is spelled in various ways — Laughton, 
Layton, Laighton and Layghton. Very likely he himself 
was not uniform in the spelling, as it was then allow- 
Tible for any one to amuse himself with orthographic 
variations. The above is a fac-simile of a signature 
made by him in 1668. Laighton street was named for 
him ; also the Laighton Bank, which was established in 
1849, but took the name of Central National in 1865. 

He was one of the early settlers, and in the division 
of lands, in 1638, received sixty acres ; a portion being 
in and about Franklin street. By his activity and en- 
terprise, he soon made himself known beyond the limits 
of Lynn, as the Colony Records abundantly show. He 
was a Selectman in 1645, and served in that capacity a 



144 • PART SECOND. 

number of years afterward. In the year just named, too, 
the Records state, that " At y® request of y"* toune of 
Lynne, liberty & licence is graunted by this Cou'te to 
M'" Thomas Layghton to drawe wyne for y^' toune of 
Lynn." And the next year, 1646, " Thomas Laughton, 
Edward Bu'cham & Tho : Putman are authorized by this 
Cou'^te to end smale cawses, vnd^' twenty shillings in y® 
toune of Lynne." He was a Representative in the 
General Court, some ten years, first in 1646 and last in 
1661. Once, during his last term, he was fined for not 
attending a session ; but on rendering a satisfactory 
excuse, " the Court judged it meete to remitt " the fine. 
In 1678, the Court passed this order : " M'" Thomas 
Layton of Lyn, is empow^'ed to joyne such persons in 
marriage as doe live, one or both, in that toune, being 
legally published." It is well known that for many 
years ministers were not allowed to perform the mar- 
riage ceremony, but commissioners were appointed 
specially for the pleasant duty. 

Mr. Laighton's occupation was that of a farmer, his 
residence was on Franklin street, and his children were 
two sons and three daushters. 



Ui-^KZ/t- ^Ml^Mfy 



OLIVER PUUCHL-^. 

The third Town Clerk was the noted individual a fac- 
simile of whose autograph is placed above. He was 
elected in 1686, succeeding Mr. Laughton, and re- 



TOWN CLERKS. 145 

mained in the office some five years, a period covering 
the trying time of the Andros administration. He is 
named, in his official capacity, as a grantee in the Indian 
deed of Lynn, executed in 1686, by David Kanksha- 
mooshaw and his kindred, heirs of old Sagamore 
George No-Nose. He came to Lynn as early as 1635, 
and was made a freeman in 1636. For some ten years 
he was a Representative in the General Court ; and few 
men were more faithful in supporting the interests of 
their constituents. In business matters, too, his skill 
and judgment were much in requisition. As agent of 
the iron company, he seems to have exercised a good 
deal of care, and to have endeavored to avoid causes of 
quarrel with the irate neighbors. 

In 1665, he was detailed to perform a public duty, 
which, it has often occurred to the writer, must have ' 
been rather distasteful, considering his political predi- 
lections. It was a special declaration of loyalty. 
Questions had arisen which occasioned warm political 
debates in the House and elsewhere ; and it was feared 
that on some of the denunciatory expressions, such 
charges of disloyalty might be founded as would operate 
disadvantageoQsly to Colonial interests. The Court, 
therefore, to gloss over affiiirs, order that a declaration 
be " published by M'". Oliuer Purchis on horse backe, - 
by sound of trumpet, and that Thomas Bligh, the trum- 
peter, and Marshall Richard Wayte accompany him, 
and y* in the close he say, w^^' an audible voycc, " God 

save the King !" He appears to have been a decided 
19 



146 PART SECOND. 

anti-royalist, and could hardly have assumed the 
heraldic office from choice 

Mr. Purchis was Lieutenant of the Lynn Military 
Company in 1GT5, the year of the King Philip ^Yar, 
though he does not seem to have become distinguished 
as a military leader. 

But it was during the Andros administration that his 
strength of character most clearly discovered itself. He 
vehemently opposed Secretary Randolph when ho peti- 
tioned for the gift of Nahant, and was unremitting in 
his endeavors to prevent new encroachments, till he 
finally had the happiness to see the whole arbitrary 
fabric fall to the ground. In 1G85 he was elected As- 
sistant, but " declined his oath," as the record says. 
In 1G91 he removed to Concord, and there died, in 
1701, at the age of 88 years. 




w^< 



/ 



JOHN BUURIM.. 
I 

John Burrill, our fourth Town Clerk, was a man of 
respectability, and belonged to the " royal family " of 
Burrills. lie was Clerk for many years, and a prom- 
inent member of the General Court, besides rendering 
eminent service in other positions. lie appears to have 
kept the Records with a good deal of care, and his hand- 
writing is much more legible than that of -o great many 



TOWN CLERKS. 147 

recording officers of that period. He lived on Boston 
street, and such information was given during our ideal 
march along that thoroughfare, that any extended no- 
tice here is unnecessary. The above is a fac-simile of 
a signature of his made on a town book, in 1710. 

The prominent men of his time, performed a good 
deal of labor for the public, in one way And another, 
for Avhich they received little pecuniary recompense. 
What pay, if any, Mr. Barrill received for his long term 
of service, as Clerk, Ave cannot state ; but the pay of a 
Representative in the "Great and Generall Courte," was 
three shillings a day. It is true that the value of money 
was then very different from what it is now ; but, as a 
general thing people at that time were content to toil 
on, for a bare subsistence, thinking little of luxuries, or 
indeed of many things that would by us be deemed 
prune necessities. 

And as to the wages of mcclianics and laborers, it will 
be remembered that they were regulated by the Court. 
As early as 1G30, this order Avas passed : "It is 
ordered, that no master carpenter, mason, joiner, or 
bricklayer, shall take above ICd. a Day for their work, 
if they have meatc and Drinke ; and the second sort 
not above ]2d. a Dny, under payne of Xs. both to giver 
and receiver." Eight years after, that is, in 1G38, this 
entry in the case of one of our Lynn men is found : 
"Frauncis Godson, hath bound himsclfe in X / for psonall 
appearance att the Court to be holden in Octob^' nexte 
to ansAvcr for broach of an order of Court in takeing to 



148 PART SECOND. 

greate wages, &c." Perhaps the most curious reason 
given for requiring men to work at low wages, was, that 
if they were allowed to receive high wages, they could 
earn a living by working four days, in a week, thus 
leaving a third of the time for idleness, which would lead 
to the formation of bad habits. How would our people 
now regard reasoning like that ? 

Here we must bid adieu to our faithful old Town Clerks, 
and pass on to a list of our City Clerks, which will be 
given with fac- similes of their autographs It is not 
doubted that the autographs given here and elsewhere 
in our little book will prove of much interest in the future, 
if indeed our own generation do not fully appreciate 
them'. They certainly would not be given if we did not 
believe that. Handwriting is always an attractive study, 
and many have a favorite theory that through it real 
character may b6 discerned. 



CITY CLERKS. 149 

CITY CLERKS. 

WILLI VM BASSETT. 

• Mr. Bassett was bom in Lynn, on the 4th of March, 
1803. He was united in marriage, June 23, 1824, to 
Miss Mary Boyce, and became the father of nine child- 
ren. He was elected Clerk at the organization of the 
first City Government, and served three years, to wit, 
1850, '51, and '52. He died on the 21st of June, 1871. 



CHARLES MERUITT. 

Mr. Merritt was born in Bowdoinham, Me., on the 
11th of March, 1805 ; was united in marriage, March 
11th, 1828, to Miss Mary E. Breed, and Avas the father 
of eight sons and three daughters. He served as Clerk 
five years — 1853, '54, '5G, '57 and 58. He died 
March 13, 1877. 

JOHN BATCH ELDER. 

Mr. Batchelder was born in Topsfield, Mass., on the 
9th of July, 1805; was united in marriage, Oct. 13, 
1830, to Miss Olivia W. Perley, and has one daughter. 
He served as Clerk during 1855. 



150 PART SECOND. 




EPIIUAIM A. IXGALLS. 

Mr. Ingalls was born in Swampscott, then a part of 
Lynn, on the 14th of July, 182G ; was united in mar- 
riage, May 14, 185 7, to Maria Eliza Sargent, and has 
had two children. lie served as Clerk during 1859 
and 'GO. 



o-t^t^^^. 




BENJAMIN n. JONES. 

Mr. Jones was born in Gilmanton, N. H., on the 
3rd of August, 1815; was married, Sep. 9, 1837, to 
Miss Mahaleth Glidden, and became the father of four 
children. 



^S^.C.P^. 



-rT,^, 



rilARLES E. PARSONS. 

Mr. Parsons v/as born, in Boston, on the 1st of 
August 1842, and is unmarried. Tic was elected Clerk, 
in 1870, and still, by annual election, remains in the 
office. 



In every community. there uve individuals who, though 
they have not been especially conspicuous in official po- 



ALONZO LEWIS. 151 

sitions, have passed such usefal lives, and exercised such 
beneficial influences, as to entitle them to some expression 
of grateful remembrance. Particulars are often valuable 
in illustrating generals ; and by touching upon points 
in the character and career of an individual, much lif-ht 
may incidentally be thrown upon the time in which he 
lived. It was hoped that sufficient space could bo re- 
served for notices of a considerable numbor of prominent 
persons of different periods, but we can only proceed, in 
a fettered way, to present a few. 



ALOXZO LEWIS. 

An extended notice of the now historic individual 
whose name is placed above, cannot be expected in this 
place; nor is it necessary, as the writer, in the 1SC5 
edition of the History of Lynn, gave a biographical 
sketch, occupying something above twenty octavo pages, 
prepared with considerable care, and after an acquain- 
tance of more than thh-ty years. Hardly anything will 
be oifercd here, beyond \vhat is necessary to show that 
our versatile friend was not forgotten, though it is not 
remcjnbcred that his name was mentioned in Music 
Ilall or at the Banquet. 

iMr. Lewis was born in Lynn, on the 28th of August, 
1794, in the unadorned and unprctcnlions little wooden 
dwelling, which still stands on the northerly side of 
Boston street, nearly opposite Bridge ; the same which 



152 PART SECOND. 

was pointed out in our ideal march along that interesting 
avenue. In early life he developed an absorbing love of 
books, and found means to obtain a good education — 
an education sufficient to fit him to take charge of the 
better class of district schools — indeed of almost any 
school ; and most of his early manhood was spent in 
teaching, a profession of which he always declared 
himself extremely fond. His latter years, however were 
chiefly devoted to surveying and achitectural designing. 

While yet a young man he became enthusiastically 
devoted to antiquarian and historical studies ; and 
having little regard for the accumulation of this world's 
goods, was not readily diverted from his favorite pur- 
suits even by what with most men would be considered 
demands for the supply of common material wants. 

An early result of his congenial labors was the ap- 
pearance, in 1829, of the first edition of the History 
of Lynn. It came out in numbers, and immediately 
took rank as one of the most interesting and valuable 
of all New England's local histories A new and 
much improved edition was published in 1844, in the 
form of an octavo of 278 pages. In 1865, a third 
edition, with additions and a continuation by the writer 
of this, was issued. This was his chief historical work, 
and bears evidence of patient research and careful col- 
location. Many of th6 descriptive passages are vivid 
and graceful ; rendered especially so by that other dis- 
tinguishing quality of his — the poetic. 



ALONZO LEWIS. 153 

He was a poet of acknowledged ability, and in 1823 
published his first volume, a small duodecimo of 200 
pages. Another edition, with so many additions as to 
make it really a new work, appeared in 1831. Numer- 
ous occasional pieces of his floated about in the news- 
papers, some of them much admired, which were never 
collected and put forth in the shape of a book. 

Mr. Lewis was an ardent lover of his native place, 
and spent almost his whole life here. He however left 
town two or three times ; once, most likely, with the 
intention of remaining, for he wrote a touching fare- 
well, and placed it in the hands of the writer for publi- 
cation. But his intervals of absence were brief. In- 
deed his love for his native place was so intense that he 
seemed sometimes over-sensitive concerning her fair 
fam^ If there was a point on which he and the writer 
could not well agree, it was touching his propensity to 
keep in the shade everything that he fancied might, in 
some way, sully the good name of our native place. 
Such sensitiveness may be commendable in social inter- 
course, but among historical realities is apt to produce 
false impressions. 

Lynn will long remain indebted to him for numerous 
valuable services and suggestions, some of which the 
present generation know nothing of. There are the 
significant names of our older streets, and the poetic 
designations of various romantic and attractive locali- 
ties, all certifying to his good taste and rare sense of 
20 



154 ' PART SECOND. 

I 

fitness. Then there are his suggestions concerning the 
preservation of the beaches, and the building of roads, 
indicating his close observation and practical knowl- 
edge. The City Seal, that expressive, though hardly 
elegant representative of official authority, was de- 
signed by him. 

Mr. Lewis was a good neighbor and steadfast friend, 
though possessing, in as great a degree as most of us, 
a surface variableness of temper. lie was three times 
married. His first wife was Frances Maria Swan, of 
Methuen, Mass., and by her he had six children. His 
second matrimonial connection was soon dissolved. By 
his last wife, Anna Ilsley Harson, of Portland, Me., 
he had two children ; and she is yet living. He died 
on the 21st of January, 1861. 




JEREMIAH CHAPLIN STICKNEY. 

In this connection, it seems highly proper to record 
some acknowledgment of the services of Mr. Stickney, 
who was our first City Solicitor, and who, before the 
institution of the office, rendered efficient aid in pre- 
paring the new municipal machinery for its intended 
work. It was not till some three years after the Char- 
ter was adopted, that the office of Solicitor was estab- 
lished ; but when it was, his eminent qualifications 
secured his immediate appointment. 



JEREMIAH C. STICKNEY. 155 

He was a native of RoAvley, Mass., was bora Jan- 
uary 6, 1805, graduated at Harvard with the 1824 
class, immediately applied himself to the study of law, 
with Judge Cummins of Salem, and in 1827 was ad- 
mitted to the bar. He soon settled in Lynn, and was 
presently in active and successful practice, in which he 
continued forty years, during many of which, it was 
said, his business was as large as that of any lawyer in 
Essex County. In 1829 he was appointed post-master, 
and held the office till 1839. He was again appointed 
to the office in 1853, and held it till 1858. He de- 
clined the office of United States District Attorney for 
Massachusetts when it was offered him, during Presi- 
dent Jackson's administration, but served in the lower 
house of the Legislature, in 1839 and '40. 

As he cared little for the honors of public office, and 
his legal practice yielded a good income, the uncertain 
gains of public service were insufficient to draw him 
from the more congenial employments of the profession 
he had chosen as the leading business of his life. 

It Avas the privilege of the writer to be for some 
time associated with him in professional partnership, 
and he can hardly speak in too high terms of his affa- 
bility and gentlemanly traits, or of his reputation for 
legal attainments. It was in the quietude of the office, 
during the little intervals of leisure, that intercourse 
with him was most enjoyable. His conversation on 
current topics was unreserved and appreciative, and his 



156 PART SECOND. 

remarks about his professional brethren, his clients, and 
others, were sometimes humorous, always shrewd and 
discerning, but never unkind. With that invaluable 
power, which few possess, though many claim — the 
power to perceive the real sentiments and motives that 
so often underlie the professed — a power without 
which no lawyer can rise above the common level — he 
was largely endowed. In his investigations he was 
thorough, to the Court invariably respectful, to his 
brethren of the bar always courteous. In common 
with all good lawyers, notwithstanding long years of 
experience, he seldom engaged in a trial without some 
degree of diffidence and misgiving, which, however, 
soon wore off as the case proceeded. On leaving the 
ofl&ce for the court room he would, perhaps, with a 
dash of anxiety in his tone say, "Won't they spring 
some law on me?" or, "Won't some of our witnesses 
break down?" 

In person, Mr. Stickney was rather above the aver- 
age height, and well proportioned ; his dress was 
always neat and in the current fashion, but never fop- 
pish. As a speaker, he was dignified in mannei* and 
clear in enunciation, his propositions never being con- 
fused, nor his language ambiguous. So careful was he 
in the use of words, that a grammatical lapse would 
sometimes seem to disturb him almost as much as the 
loss of a case. 

For many years he owned and resided on the beauti- 
ful estate known as Forest Place, which, under his hand. 



JEREMIAH C. STICKNEY. 157 

was in a great measure transformed from a mere rough, 
pine- clad hill, into one of the most tasteful and pictur- 
esque places within a score of miles. x\nd to this 
pleasant home he seemed always glad to return after 
the labors of the day. There he passed many hours 
in delightful semi-retirement — not seclusion, for he 
loved social intercourse — and many hours in "looking 
about the place," as frequent entries on the office jour- 
nal certified. Splendid marine and landscape views 
were there spread before him, and he had a mind capa- 
ble of appreciating and enjoying them. 

Ho^Yever Mr. Stickney may have appeared to the 
world around, he was not so engrossed by professional 
or other worldly affairs as to avoid frequent reflection 
upon higher themes. He had hours of sober, almost 
abstracted meditation ; and his remarks, as his thoughts 
seemed to rise above worldly interests and dwell upon 
the great questions touching ulterior destiny, were com- 
prehensive and interesting. Though he took but little 
active part in the public movements of the day, for 
educational or benevolent purposes, he was quite -ready 
to contribute for all approved objects. And his kind 
provision for his parents in tlieir declining years, re- 
ceived, and merited, the warm commendation of his 
neighbors. 

On Christmas Day, 1829, he was united in marriage 
to Miss Mary, daughter of John Frazier, of Philadel- 
phia, and three children were born to them ; namely, 
Charles Henry, born Sept. 29, 1830. John Buffmton, 



158 PART SECOND. 

born May 25, 1832, and Martha Anne, born Sept. 5, 
1834. The two sons entered the legal profession. 
John B. removed to Florida, where he yet remains ; 
Martha Anne, in 1868, became the wife of Capt. Ste- 
phen H. Andrews, of Lawrence, Kansas ; Charles H. 
still resides in Lynn. 

Mr. Stickney died on the 3d of August, 1869, at 
the age of 64. 

As we bid adieu to one individual, many others 
whose faithful service to our good mother Lynn, now so 
full of years, entitles them to grateful recognition, seem 
to present themselves. And w^e cannot forbear intro- 
ducing one or two more of those, who in earlier days, 
amid toil and privation, planted seeds from which we 
are now reaping a rich harvest, whose histories are so 
illustrative of the times in which they lived, and who 
now stand beyond the pale of invidious comparison 
or criticism. 



/.-^ 



JOHN HUMFREY. 

Mr. Humfrey's career had relation to the Colony at 
large, rather than to Lynn, specially, though he lived 
here, and possessed a large estate. He was born in 
Dorchester, England ; was a man of consideration at 
home ; had a finished education ; was bred a lawyer, and 
nnarried Lady Susan, a daughter of the Earl of Lincoln. 



JOHN HUMFREY. 159 

He was one of the original purchasers, in 1628, of all 
that part of Massachusetts lying between three miles 
north of Merrimac river and three miles south of 
Charles river ; was treasurer of the Company, and very 
active in promoting the settlement. He came over, in 
1634, accompanied by his wife and six children — three 
sons and three daughters — and settled on Nahant street. 
He was immediately called to prominent positions in 
the colonial councils, entrusted with various important 
commissions, and was the first Major-General of the 
Colony. For his valuable services he had liberal grants 
of land, and was in various ways generously rewarded. 
He had land in the vicinity of Sagamore Hill, and 
built a windmill on that elevation, in 1636. He also 
had a large grant of land in Swampscott, including the 
fine estate of Hon. E. R. Mudge. In Lynnfield, too, 
he had possessions. The beautiful Pond there, still 
known by his name, was granted to him in 1635, in 
these words : — " There is 500 acres of land & a freslie 
pond, with a little ileland conteyneing aboute two acres, 
graunted to John Humfry, Esq., lyeing betwixte nore 
& west from Saugus, pvided hee take noe pte of the 
500 acres within 5 myles of any towne nowe planted. 
Also, it is agreed, that the inhabitants of Saugus & 
Salem shall have liberty to build stoore bowses upon 
the said ileland & to lay in such pvisions as they iudge 
necessary for their vse in tyme of neede." It will be 
remembered that the whole plantation, at that time, 
was called Saugus. The pond here spoken of, it is of 



160 PART SECOND. 

course unnecessary to mention, is that from which there 
was some effort to procure water for public purposes, 
during one of Mayor Buffum's terms ; nor is it neces- 
sary to mention that there is a question touching public 
piscatory rights there, now pending in a law court. 

Winthrop speaks of Mr. Humfrey as " a gentleman 
of special parts of learning and activity and a godly 
man." And Mather speaks of Mrs. Humfrey as of 
" the best family of any nobleman then in England." 
That he was a man of keen sensibilities and large am- 
bition there can be no doubt ; nor can there be any 
doubt that he was somewhat inclined to feel dishonored 
by the advancenient of others, perhaps no better quali- 
fied than himself, to stations that he coveted ; a feeling 
which will always supply food for discomfort and dis- 
content. He was encouraged to expect an appointment 
as governor of a plantation in one of the Bahama 
islands, projected by Lord Say, but the project mis- 
carried, to his great disappointment. 

The Lady Susan was refined and high spirited, and 
naturally found it difficult to adapt herself to the rough 
fortunes attendant on the settlement of a new country. 
She must often have recurred, with pensive emotions, 
to the scenes of her luxurious home, its brilliant pa- 
geants and courtly entertainments ; and she became 
lonely, sad and homesick. Yet she had her family around 
her ; a sympathizing husband and loving children ; and 
one might reasonably suppose would have more suc- 
cessfully acquitted herself in the way of obvious duty. 



JOHN HUMFREY.^ 161 

In 1641, Mr. Hiimfrey sold to Lady Deborah Moody 
a large part of his Lynn lands, preparatory to return- 
ing to England ; but for her it does not seem to have 
been a very valuable purchase, as concerning it, good 
old Lechford says, " Lady Moody lives at Lynn, but is 
of Salem church. She is, good lady, almost undone 
by buying Master Humphrie's farm, Swampscott." 
Possibly, had she remained here, it might not have 
proved so disastrous a purchase ; but owing to her 
views concerning the sinfulness of infant baptism, she 
was constrained, to avoid trouble, to remove to a Dutch 
settlement on Long Island. 

Mr. Humfrey and his wife took their departure im- 
mediately after the sale of his lands to Lady Moody, 
but left their daughters here ; and two of those daugh- 
ters, in their turn, experienced severities of fortune 
more grievous in their nature than any their parents 
were called to bear. And it cannot be doubted that 
the fate of the offspring was the occasion of the se- 
verest pang the parents suffered in their declining 
years. In a letter to Governor Winthrop, dated Sept. 
4th, 1646, he says, "It is true the want of that lost 
occasion, the loss of all I had in the world, doth, upon 
rubbings of that irreparable blow, sometimes a little 
trouble me ; but in no respect equal to this, that I see 
my hopes and possibilities of ever enjoying those I did 
or was willing to suffer anything for, utterly taken 
away. But by what intermediate hand soever this has 
befallen me, whose neglects and unkindness God I hope 

21 



162 , PART SECOND. 

will mind them for their good, yet I desire to look at 
his hand for good I doubt not to me, though I do not 
so fully see which way it may work. Sir, I thank 
you, again and again, and that in sincerity, for any 
fruits of your goodness to me and mine ; and for any- 
thing contrary, I bless his name, I labor to forget, and 
desire him to pardon." 

Mr. Humfrey died in 1661, almost broken-hearted 
by his accumulated disappointments and misfortunes. 
We have intimated that his influence was more directly 
felt on the broad Colonial interests than on the circum- 
scribed affairs of our then inconsiderable settlement ; 
but he was active and enterprising while here, and did 
much to aid in the prosperity of his immediate neigh- 
borhood. Humfrey street, in Swampscott, perpetuates 
his name. 

THOMAS DEXTER. 

Mr. Dexter was one of those vigorous and elastic 
characters so well fitted to meet the requirements of a 
new settlement ; rather too pungent, perhaps, unless 
surrounded and modified by more sedative tempers. 
He came here in 1630, and located as a farmer, in the 
precinct where the iron works were afterwards estab- 
lished, a little west of Saugus river. He became a 
large landholder, possessing some eight hundred acres. 
In the allotments of 1638, three hundred and fifty 
acres were assigned him. It does not exactly appear 



THOMAS DEXTER. 163 

that he was a land speculator, in the modern sense, 
though the very first deed on our county records was 
given by him. 

That he was active and enterprising, there can be no 
manner of doubt ; nor can there be any doubt that 
he had a dashing disregard for persons, whether of the 
highest or lowest quality, and a jealous watchfulness of 
his own interests. Such a one cannot always be at 
peace with his neighbors, and we find him, as early as 
1631, confronting the distinguished Endicott, " with 
his arms akimbo," in a way that " would have pro- 
voked a very patient man ; " and which did provoke 
the worthy magistrate to such a degree, that he com- 
mitted an assault, for which he was fined forty shillings. 

Again, the next year, 1632, we find him ordered to 
be " bound to his good behav'' till the nexte Genall 
Conrte, and ffined five pounds for his misdemean^' and 
insolent carriage and speeches to S : Bradstreete att his 
owne howse ; also att the Genall Courte is bound to 
confess his fault." 

Still again, the next year, 1633, it is ordered by the 
Court, " that Thomas Dexter shalbe sett in the bil- 
bowes, disfranchized & ffined XI /, for speaking repcli- 
full & seditious words against the goum* here estab- 
lished, & findeing ftiult to dyv's w^'^ the acts of the 
Court sayeing this captious goum^ will bring all to 
naught, adding that the best of them w^as but an at- 
turney, &c." 



164 PART SECOND. 

The transaction, however, which has given the great- 
est celebrity to the name of Mr. Dexter, was his 
alleged purchase of Nahant from the Indian Sagamore 
Poquanum — called by Mr. Wood, Duke William, and 
by others Black Will — for a suit of clothes. It seems 
as if he must have had full faith in the validity of the 
transaction, or he would not have so persistently pur- 
sued his claim. But the town just as persistently con- 
troverted his demand. And it appears, by the w^ay, 
that the wily Indian, wdiether he had a title or not, 
sold the peninsula to one or two others. Indeed he 
seems to have been ready to sell as many times over as 
he could find a purchaser, without much heed to the 
price. 

The claim of Mr. Dexter caused a good deal of dis- 
putation and expense, for it was kept seething inany 
years. In 1657, it was decided in court in favor of 
the town ; but that decision did not put the matter to 
final rest. Much conflicting testimony was elicited, 
and as a specimen we will present a deposition or two 
from each side. For Mr. Dexter, a couple of Indian 
witnesses say, " We, George Sagomore and the Sago- 
more of Agawam, doe testify that Duke William, so 
called, did sell all Nahant unto ffarmer Dexter, for a 
suite of cloathes, which cloathes ffarmer Dexter had 
again, and gave unto Duke W^illiam, so called, 2 or 3 
coates for it again." Another 'deponent thus testifies : 
" I, John Legg, aged 47 years or thereabouts, doetesti- 
fie, that when I was Mr. Humphreys servant, there came 



THOMAS DEXTER. 165 

unto my master's house one Blacke Will, as wee call 
him, an Indian, with a compleate Suite on his backe ; 
I asked him where he had that suit ; he said he had it 
of ffarmer Dexter, and he had sould him Nahant for 
it." For the town, Edward Ireson's deposition says, 
* ' Liveing with Mr. Thomas Dexter, I carried the fencing 
stuffe which master Dexter sett up to fence in Nahant, 
his part with the rest of the Inhabitants, and being 
and living, with Mr. Dexter, I never heard him say a 
word of his buying of Nahant, but only his interest in 
Nahant for his fencing with the rest of the inhabitants ; 
this was about 25 years since ; and after this fence 
was sett up at nahant, all the new comers were to give 
two shillings sixpence a head or a piece unto the setters 
up of the fence or inhabitants, and some of Salem 
brought Cattell alsoe to nahant, which were to give 
soe." Also, for the town, the Rev. Mr. Whiting 
deposed, that " Mr. Humphries did desire that Mr. Eaton 
[afterwards Governor Eaton, of Connecticut,] and his 
company might not only buy Nahant, but the whole 
Towne of Linne, and that mr. Cobbet and he and others 
of the Towne went to mr. Eaton to offer both to him, 
and to commit themselves to the providence of God ; 
and at that time there was none that laid claim to or 
pleaded any interest in nahant. Save the town, and at 
that time farmer Dexter lived in the Towne of Linne." 
These depositions were given in the Salem Court, in June, 
1657. And, by the way, the foregoing fac-simile is 
from a signature of Mr. Dexter written in that year. 



166 PART SECOND. 

The decision, as before remarked, was in favor of the 
town. But the claim survived even Mr. Dexter him- 
self ; for in 1678, his son Thomas, who was co-admin- 
istrator with Capt. James Oliver, brought an action in 
Boston for the recovery of the peninsula. And here, 
again, the town came off victorious. Nahant, after 
this, seems to have rested quietly as a possession of 
Lynn for some ten years, when the disturbing petition 
of Secretary Randolph to Governor Andros for a gift of 
the territory, created fresh and more violent agitation. 
The town was again called on to defend their rights ; 
and perhaps it was well that she had for Town Clerk 
such a resolute character as Oliver Purchis, a notice of 
whom appears a few pages back. Randolph, who may 
have had in mind the establishment of a neat little 
" dukedom," was defeated ; and thenceforward Nahant 
remained under the motherly wing of Lynn, until, in 
1853, she became her own mistress — now, perhaps, 
having occasion to thank her aged parent for preserva- 
tion from a worse fate. 

But we must return to Mr. Dexter ; and are con- 
strained to mention one other matter for which the 
court felt called upon to deal with him. In 1646 he 
was fined for being a " common sleeper" in meetings. 
That may possibly be taken as evidence of his industry, 
as he might have had the same excuse that so many in 
our day have for like "misdemeanors," namely, hard 
labor during the week. But it is enough for us to 
state the fact ; others may draw conclusions. 



SAMUEL WHITING. 167 

We present Mr. Dexter as a true re presentative of a 
large class of settlers, for they were not all saints, and 
have given instances of his delinquencies, and the notice 
taken of them, for .the purpose of showing what was 
thought of such things and how they were treated in 
those times. And, in conclusion, it need only be said, 
that with all his faults and foibles he was a really use- 
ful man, enterprising, industrious and hopeful. He has 
left footprints in this community which will never be 
effaced. 

Most that we gather of these old-time worthies is 
from the court records. How many praiseworthy acts 
they accomplished we cannot always know, for men's 
good deeds do not usually appear on court records. 






SAMUEL WHITING, tSENIOK. 

Mr. Whiting was, in some prominent characteristics, 
entirely different from Mr. Dexter, of whom we have just 
spoken. He was of pacific disposition, quiet and 
genial, though not without strong points of character. 
The foregoing is a fac-simile of his autograph, written 
in 1679, the year in which he died, aged 82 years. 
He was a learned divine, having been educated at 
Emanuel College, and once in orders in the established 
church. He was settled over the Lynn church in 1636, 
and continued in the pastorate forty-three years ; being 



168 PART SECOND. 

not only distinguished as a minister, and much regarded 
by his people, but highly honored throughout the Col- 
ony for his prudence in the management of various 
public affairs, and for his stern advocacy of popular 
rights. It was in compliment to him that the settle- 
ment received the name of Lynn, in 1637, having to 
that time been called Saugus. 

Mr. Whiting was twice married, before leaving Eng- 
land. By his first wife, he had three children ; and 
by his second, who came over with him, and who was 
a sister of Chief Justice Oliver St. John, he had six-^ 
four sons and two daughters. His remains were in- 
terred in the Old Burying Ground, near the resting 
place of his second wife, who died on the third 
of March, 1677, aged 72. The address of the 
writer, at the Banquet in Odd Fellows' Hall, which 
appears in full, in preceding pages, renders it unnec- 
essary to say anything further here. 

GEORGE BURRILL. 

Mr. Burrill — or rather his family — was referred to 
in our march along Boston street ; but as the head of 
the "royal" line he is, perhaps, entitled to a little 
further notice. He was among the first settlers, one of 
the richest, and located on the westerly side of Tower 
Hill, was a thrifty farmer and owner of many acres of 



NATHANIEL TURNER. 169 

woodland, marsh and arable field. In the allotment of 
1638, two hundred acres were assigned to him. 

The above is a fac-simile of the signature to his will, 
which is dated October 18, 1653. He had three sons 
— George, Francis and John — all of whom reared 
families. John was father of John, the eminent pre- 
siding officer, and Ebenezer, who settled in Swamp- 
scott. Ebenezer, in his turn, was father of Ebenezer, 
distinguished as Ebenezer, Esquire. No extended 
notice is needed here, as any one desirous of pursuing 
the family connections can refer to the History of Lynn. 
It was thought eminently proper to say a few words 
concerning one who was head of a family that did so 
much for Lynn, in her days of doubt and struggle. 

NATHANIEL TURNER. 

Mr. Turner — or Captain Turner, as he seems almost 
invariably to have been called — was another promi- 
nent character in our early history ; not only one of 
mark within our own borders, but throughout the 
colony ; indeed far beyond the Bay Colony jurisdiction. 
He came to Lynn the very next year after the soil had 
been first stirred by the white man's hand, and 
located on what is now Nahant street, becoming 
owner of Sagamore Hill and lands thereabout, and by 
his enterprise and stirring habits soon made his presence 
known. In 1633, he contributed ten pounds " towards 
the fort," built for the defence of Boston harbor ; and 

otherwise interested himself in public affairs. 
22 



170 PART SECOND. 

It was in 1634 that the General Court began to 
be composed of Deputies, or Representatives, instead 
of the whole body of freemen, and he was returned 
from Lynn, for the first seven sessions. The records 
show that he was appointed to several important 
duties, in the management of which, promptness and 
prudence were required ; and he appears in all cases 
to have acquitted himself in a highly satisfactory 
• manner. He was likewise a meinber of the first 
County Court, held at Salem, in 1636. 

His title of Captain was, no doubt, received from 
his military rank, he having been appointed by the 
General Court, on the 4th of March, 1633, " Captaine 
of the military company att Saugus." In his military 
capacity he rendered signal service, especially during 
the Pequot war, in which he had commands in two 
or three expeditions. His skill, however, seems first 
to have been required in the pursuit of enemies more 
ignoble than the red men, for we find that on a train- 
ing day, in 1634, he was directed by his superior 
officer and neighbor. Col. John Humfrey, to march with 
his company to Nahant, to hunt wolves. 

It was during his service in the Block Island and 
Connecticut shore expeditions, against the Pequots, 
in 1637, that he probably became so charmed by the 
appearance of the territory along the Sound, that he 
Avas, after the war, induced to purchase lands and 
take up his residence in that region. 

On the organization of the military company now 



NATHANIEL TURNER. 171 

known as the Ancient and Honorable Artillery, in 
1638, he became a member. And it seems as if Lynn, 
at that time, must have possessed considerable of a 
martial spirit, for not only Capt. Turner, but five others 
— William Ballard, Joseph Hewes, Daniel Howe, 
Edward Tomlins and Richard Walker — enrolled them- 
selves ; Mr. Howe being chosen Lieutenant. 

In 1636, Capt. Turner and Mr. Humfrey were ap- 
pointed to lay out the bounds of Ipswich, and appear 
to have executed their commission in a fair and accept- 
'able manner. It was during the winter of this year, 
that he met with a serious misfortune, which' is thus 
noticed in Winthrop's Journal: "Captain Turner's 
house, in Saugus, took fire by an oven, and burnt down, 
with all that was in it, save the persons." 

But Lynn was destined to lose this valuable resident. 
He removed, in 1638, and became, as Trumbull says, 
one of the principal among the settlers of New Haven. 
He was very active in promoting the interests of that 
colony, and his military reputation was perhaps a 
useful guard against the encroachments of the Dutch 
of New York, who appears to have laid claim to lands 
reaching to an indefinite line east of Manhattan island. 
He purchased of the Indians, the tract now constituting 
the beautiful town of Stamford, which at this day 
presents such an attractive appearance to passengers 
upon the New York and New Haven railroad. For 
that charming territory his recorded agreement says :— 
" I, the said Nathaniel Turner, amm to give and bring 



172 PART SECOND. 

or send to the above said Sagamores, within the space 
of one month, twelve coats, twelve howes, [hoes], 
twelve hatchets, twelve glasses, twelve knives, four 
kettles, four fathoms of white wampum." In a sub- 
sequent sale the lands were valued at thirty pounds 
sterling. 

Capt. Turner evidently possessed strongly defined 
religious views, of decidedly puritanical stamp. He 
was one of the seven founders of the first church in 
New Haven, and as agent of that colony, purchased 
lands on Delaware river, for the double purpose, ap- 
parently, of establishing trade and founding Puritan 
churches. 

In the New Haven colony were some of the most 
active and worthy men in the whole country, and some 
of the most wealthy ; but yet she was not prosperous. 
And it was in the endeavor to amend her fortunes that 
some of her principal people joined their means, and 
purchased a vessel of a hundred and fifty tons, hoping 
to open a profitable foreign trade. The vessel was 
put under command of Captain Lamberton, and four 
or five of the men " of chief note and worth," among 
them Captain Turner, sailed for England, with high 
expectations, and amid the hopeful farewells of a large 
concourse. The vessel passed down to the Sound, and 
out of sight ; and that was the last ever seen of her, 
or any one on board. Another season came round and 
still " New Haven's heart was sad." It was in Jan- 
uary, 1647, that the unfortunate vessel sailed, her way 



ALLEN BREED. 173 

being cut through the ice. The next June, after a 
great thunder storm, the people were startled by the 
appearance of what has ever since been known as " the 
phantom ship." There appeared in the air, coming 
up from the mouth of the harbor, a vessel which many 
of the spectators declared was an exact image of the 
missing one, and which gradually faded away and 
disappeared. 

It was, no doubt, owing, in a great measure, to the 
loss of such men as Mr. Humfrey and Capt. Turner that 
Lynn was longer than some of her neighbors in attain- 
ing a prominent place among the Bay Settlements. 

ALLEN BREED. 

The precinct of Lynn known locally by the name of 
" Breed's End," has no defined boundaries, but may be 
stated, in a general way, to comprise the territory ly- 
ing about a furlong either way from the point where 
Summer street intersects Western avenue. The name 
was derived from the individual, a fac-simile of whose 
autograph is given above, and who settled here, as a 
farmer, in 1630. It will be observed that he spelled 
his name Bread, which seems to have been the way in 
which members of the family in early times usually 
wrote it. He was a man of substance, but probably 
rather retiring in disposition, as his name does not often 
appear in connection with public affairs. We do not 




174 PART SECOND. 

find him mentioned on the Colony Records, a fact which 
indicates that if he was not conspicuous for any public 
achievement, he was not guilty of crime or misde- 
meanor. In the distribution of lands, in 1638, he re- 
ceived two hundred acres. And probably his sons, of 
whom he had four — Allen, Timothy, Joseph and John 
— became " tillers of the ground." When the Long Is- 
land enterprise ripened, he joiiierl the emigrants and 
proceeded with them to the new plantation, but soon 
returned. 

Though, as before remarked, apparently by no means 
a public character, we find here and there, along for 
many years, his name in such connections as indicate 
that he was held in respect, and that confidence was 
had in his judgment and integrity. At a " Generall 
Towne Meetinge," held in 1661, " vpon the request of 
Daniel! Salmon for some land, in regard he was a soldier 
att the Pequid warrs," it was ordered that Mr. Breed, 
with two others, "should vew the land adjoyninge to 
his house lott, and give report vnto the next towne 
meetinge." 

In 1692, the town voted that he, and seven others, 
should " sit in the pulpit." They were probably old 
men, and unable to hear from the seats upon the floor. 
He was at that time ninety-one years old, having been 
boni in 1601. It is not likely that they were all ex- 
pected to be constant attendants, for as the writer re- 
collects the old pulpit, in after years, it could by no 
means have contained such an array. The vote, how- 



ALLEN BREED. 175 

ever, is enough to show that he was one who loved the 
sanctuary, and that his townsmen held him in respect. 
The pulpit, by the way, was high up above the heads 
of the worshippers, as pulpits then usually were, inso- 
much that those nearest were, obliged to throw their 
heads back, somewhat, to obtain a fair sight of the 
minister, a circumstance which may have had a soporific 
influence. The writer* has' a clear recollection of good 
old Capt. Tarbox, as he sat in his pew absorbing the 
long-drawn periods as they were reflected from the pon- 
derous sounding-board, his shiny bald head, covered, 
if it happened to be fly-time or there was a draught 
of cold air, by a many- colored cotton handkerchief. 
There he sat, in the angle of the pew, his head braced 
back for a full look at the minister. But gradually the 
eyes would close and the mouth open, till an object of 
rare interest was presented for the fun-seeking gaze of 
the restless boy. 

It has been stated that Breed's Hill, in Charlestown, 
on which the " battle of Bunker Hill " was fought, took 
its name from him. But his renown must rest on a 
higher basis ; that of being the head of a long and re- 
spectable New England line. Through our whole 
history have appeared conspicuous and useful descend- 
ants of his, among them two of our worthy mayors. 
Ebenezer Breed, who did so much to give our staple 
manufacture a vigorous start at a period when it 
seemed withering away, and who was also largely in- 
strumental in securing the establishment of the post office 



176 PART SECOND. 

here, in 1793, was a descendant, and born very near 
the spot on which his ancestor dwelt. Hon. Isaiah 
Breed, who died in 1859, at the age of seventy-three, 
was also a descendant. And there are now to be found 
in almost every neighborhood, fellow -citizens of the 
stock, who would do credit to any New England an- 
cestry. The Breed family, at the present time, 
numbers more than any other in Lynn, excepting the 
Newhall. And this numerical position it has main- 
tained for half a century, if not from the early days of 
the settlement. 



It does not seem desirable, as before intimated, to 
present in a work like the one in hand, a great number 
of tables ; yet there are certain kinds of information, 
in one way or another connected with our subject mat- 
ter, which it is well to have at hand. The tabular 
form is condensed, easily understood, and may be 
readily referred to. .A few selections which it is 
thought may be most subservient to the general pur- 
pose, are therefore appended. And in cases where the 
information could be given to the year of publication, 
1880, it was thought advisable to give it. 



ALDERMEN — COMMON COUNCIL. 



17" 



ALDERMEN. 



1870. 

Amos Beckford. Jr.. 
Nathan D. C. Breed, 
Elias W. Holden, 
Thomas B. Homan, 
Daniel Mullen, 
Levi R. Pierce, 
Nathan A. Ramsdell, 
Quincy A. Towns, 



1880. 

Amos Beckford, Jr., 
Nathan D. C. Breed, 
William C. Holder, 
Daniel Mullen, 
Nahum H. Newhall, 
Levi R. Piei'ce, 
Allen Story, 
Quincy A. Towns. 



COMMON COUNCIL 



1879. 



Charles E. Kimball, Pres. 
S. Henry Kent, Clerk. 

Wd. \. Nicholas D. Moore. 

2. William B. Moulton. 

3. William A. Chapman. 
John W. Lamphier, 
Natlian E. Moulton, 
Joseph Murphy. 

4. J. Warren Carswell, 
Cliarles E. Harwood, 
Dennis Healey, 
Frank H. Hussey, 
Charles E. Kimball. 

5. Michael Bohannan, 
Eben W. Hickford. 
.fosiah F. Ki-mball. 
Rufus H. Phinney, 
Willis L. Snow. 

6. Richard Fitzgerald. 
Alfred P. Flint, 
.\lexauder Gihnore. 
Gregory Lemasney. 

(ieorge O. Tarbox. 



1880. 

George C. Neal, Pres. 
Charles W. Fogg. Clerk. 

Wd. I. George A. Vincent. 

2. William B. Moulton. 

3. Moses F. Carr, 
Nathan E. Moulton, 
Joseph Murpliy, 
Benjamin A. Thurlow. 

4. Charles H. Baker, 
Edward B. Billings, 
Charles E. Harwood. 
Thomas C. Johnson. 
John McMillen. 

5. George C. Neal, 
Rutus H. Phinney. 
Willis L. Snow, 
John M. Yennard. 
Samuel C. White. 

6. Wallace Bates. 
John W. Brimbleconi. 
(ieorge H. Cliadwell. 
William N. Learned. 
Joseph E. Tarbox. 



George C. lihikelv. 



Edward eT. Leslie. 



178 PART SECOND. 

Valuation, Number of Polls, Rate of Taxation. 



Year. 


Real Estate. 


Pers'al Estate. 


Total. 


No. Polls 


Tax per 

$1,000 


1850 . . 


$3,160,515 


$1,674,328 


$4,834,843 


3,251 


$9.00 


1855 . . 


5,403,852 


2,880,797 


8,284,649 


4,081 


7.50 


1860 . . 


6,291.460 


3,357,605 


9,649,065 


3,933 


8.80 


1861 . . 


6,296,385 


2,936,323 


9,232,708 


3,615 


11.20 


1862 . . 


6,279,541 


2,946,097 


9,225,768 


3,682 


11.50 


1863 . . 


6,298,475 


3,155,422 


9,453,897 


3,768 


12.00 


1864 . . 


6,528,762 


2,936,179 


9,464,941 


3,712 


15.00 


1865 . . 


7,014,008 


3,604.998 


10,619,006 


3,983 


20.00 


1866 . . 


8,892,068 


5,853,495 


14,745,563 


4,668 


16.50 


1867 . . 


9,722,105 


5,613,802 


15,335,907 


5,430 


17.60 


1868 . . 


10,562,962 


5,548,837 


16,111,799 


6,048 


16.60 


1869 . . 


12,515,057 


5,849,487 


18,364,544 


6,584 


19.60 


1870 . . 


14,277,212 


6,649,903 


20,927,115 


6,773 


17.20 


1871 . . 


17,742,993 


6,642,633 


24,385,626 


7,558 


19.60 


1872 . . 


21,102,028 


6,461,897 


27,563,925 


9,174 


16.60 


1873 . . 


21,925,071 


5,531,367 


27,456,438 


8,512 


18.40 


1874 . . 


22,105,574 


5,667,539 


27,773,113 


8,419 


16.80 


1875 . . 


21,930,751 


6,147,052 


28,077,803 


7,960 


17.40 


1876 . . 


19,896,808 


6,040,623 


25,937,431 


8,189 


16.80 


1877 . . 


19.076,743 


5,918,596 


24,995.339 


7,983 


17.40 


1878 . . 


17,312,423 


4,800,455 


22,112,878 


8,704 


19.20 


1879 . . 


17,316,639 


4,668,604 


21,985,243 


9,831 


16.20 



THE POOR. 

The number of persons who received assistance from 
the public treasury, during 1879, was 1,992. The 
number of families assisted was 523. The average 
number of paupers supported at the almshouse, was 52 ; 
,the cost of each, per week, for food and clothing, being 
$1.35. 

In the report of the Overseers of the Poor, this item 
appears : " Number of tramps furnished food and 
lodging, 1,757 ; average cost of each, 14 cents." 



THE POOR. 179 

In connection with this item, it may be remarked, 
that for several years there have been a great many 
vagrant and semi- vagrant wayftirers called Tramps, 
homeless wanderers, drifting from place to place, seek- 
ing food by day at the hand of charity, and at night 
lodging in police stations, poorhouses, and other 
similar retreats. In the winter of 1874, an average of 
something rising four hundred a month were thus en- 
tertained in the basement of the City Hall — provided 
with a supper and lodging, and a frugal breakfast in 
the morning Lynn enjoyed a good reputation among 
the fraternity, as appeared by a memorandum found on 
one of them, detailing his experience of the hospitali- 
ties of different places, and giving a sort of bill of fare 
by which they were entertained. The lodgings here 
were described in the memorandum as being warm, and 
the food better than in most cities ; facts which in a 
measure, no doubt, accounted for the favor of repeated 
visits from some of them. Occasionally rare characters 
appeared among the motley crews. One evening a 
hatless orator rose up and entertained the crowd of 
"brother tramps," as he called them, with an address 
containing many sensible as well as humorous points, 
and delivered in a style that showed he had been 
trained for a ditferent course of life. An artist, of 
more than common skill and taste, also appeared, on a 
stormy night. Several off-hand sketches that he made 
were spirited, and attracted much attention. But the 
entertainment of the increasing numbers of this ques- 



180 PART SECOND. 

tionable class, some of whom were undoubtedly arrant 
thieves and vagabonds, began to be intolerably burden- 
some, in many places, and early in 1875 the legislature 
interposed to abate the nuisance, passing a law enabling 
cities and towns to require all tramps to perform a 
reasonable amount of labor in return for food and lodg- 
ing. This, together with the fact that our city authori- 
ties somewhat reduced their rations and assigned them 
less enjoyable lodging quarters, had a tendency gradu- 
ally to reduce the number who sought relief here, 
though it was some years before there was any really 
great decrease, as appears by the following exhibit for 
the last nine years : 

Years: 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 
No. of Tramps : 1392 1017 2132 3294 2958 2825 2901 2500 1757 

The present City Marshal, Mr. William Stone, who is 
a man of experience, kindly feeling and alert in the way 
of duty, in his report to the Mayor and Aldermen, for 
the year 1879, thus speaks of the fraternity now under 
notice: — " The number of tramps has diminished the 
past year, owing no doubt to better times. A great 
many who are called tramps, and looked upon as out- 
laws, are honest men seeking employment. Having 
conversed with a large number of the so-called tramps, 
I am satisfied that a great many would work if they 
could get employment. There are many professional 
tramps who will not work, unless compelled to in some 
institution. They do not stay in any one place long- 
enough to be convicted of vagrancy, but drift about. 



VITAL STATISTICS— PUBLIC LIBRARY. 



181 



with no ambition or aspirations, making themselves a 
burden on the community, which it is compelled to 
bear." 



VITAL STATISTICS. 
The number of deaths in Lynn during the year 1879, 
was 680 ; a fair average number, no doubt, taking into 
view the increase of population. Consumption, as usual, 
claimed the largest number of victims ; and next, 
Diphtheria ; the former being most fatal among adults, 
and the latter among children. The few statements 
following will show the rank of the principal dis- 
eases in the scale of mortality : 



Consumption 120 

Diphtheria 65 

Pneumonia 43 

Old Age 37 

Disease of Heai't 37 

Cholera Infantum '23 

Scarlet Fever 22 

Disease of Bowels 21 

Apoi)lexy 18 

Disei^se of Brain 18 

.Tj'plioid Fever 16 

Cancer 15 

Disease of Kidnej-s 13 

Convulsions 12 

Disease of Spine 12 

Bronchitis 9 



Paralysis 9 

Accident 8 

Croup 8 

Disease of Liver 8 

Congestion of Lungs 7 

Whooping Cough 7 

Dropsy 6 

Dysentery 6- 

Scrofula 6 

Canker 5 

Diarrhoea 5 

Erysipelas 5 

Teething 5 

Rheumatism 4 

Childbirth 4 

Abscess 3 



PUBLIC LIBRARY. 
The "Lynn Free Public Library," was established 
in 1862 ; the collection of the Lynn Library Associa- 
tion, consisting of about 4,000 volumes, constituting 
the basis. Since it became a city institution the in- 



182 PART SECOND. 

crease has been steady, until it has now attained a 
very respectable rank, both in regard to the nnmber 
and character of the works. A good idea of the rate 
of increase can be gathered from this succinct state- 
ment, viz : 

Yeai-s: 1865 1870 1875 1880 



No. of Volumes : 6,650 11,988 19,761 27,804 

The average daily delivery, in 1879, was 461 
volumes. And the librarian makes the gratifying 
statement that " only five volumes are missing from 
the entire circulation for the year ending July 1, 1^7 9.'" 



SCHOOLS. 
The appropriations for the free education of the 
youth of Lynn have always been liberal. For the year 
1879, the amount was $83,'000.00, which, with certain 
receipts, brought the whole amount devoted to school 
purposes up to the generous sum of $86,816.88. The' 
number of schools was as follows : 1 High School, 7 
Grammar and 55 Primary Schools, and 1 Evening 
Drawing School. Whole number of pupils in all the 
day schools on the first of May, 5,413. Average daily 
attendance of pupils in all the day schools, 4,667. 
Average attendance at the drawing school, 44. The 
expenditure for school purposes, for each person in the 
city between the ages of five and fifteen years, was 
$15 66. 



NEWSPAPERS. 183 

NEWSPAPERS. 
Those who have been acquainted with the printing 
business in Lynn during the last fifty years, may have 
been justified, at times, in calling her a newspaper- 
afflicted community, in view of the many journals that 
have appeared, — few, however, surviving a score of 
years. Were we to give a full list of all that 
have lived and died, e^'en old residents would be as- 
tonished at the number. It is enough to remark that 
we now have five weeklies and three dailies, such as no 
community need be ashamed of. They are conducted 
with care and vigor, and seem destined to long lives. 
Their names are as follows : 

WEEKLIES, 
Lynn Reporter, established in 1854. 
Lynn Transcript, established in 1867. 
Lynn Record, established in 1872. 
Lynn City Item, established in 1876. 
Lynn Democrat, established in 1880. 

DAILIES. 
Daily Evening Item, established by Hastings & Sons, 

in 1877. 
Daily Bee, established by E. F. Forman, in 1880. 
Daily Record, established by J. L. Damon, in 1880. 



The first newspaper in Lynn was issued on Saturday, 
September 3d, 1825, by Charles F. Lummus, and was 
entitled " Lynn Weekly Mirror." Mr. Lummus was 
a marked character ; and not only as the first printer 



184 PART SECOND. 

here, but likewise for his own personal merits, is entitled 
to some notice in this connection. And the writer, who 
was long and intimately acquainted with him, has no 
hesitation in offering a brief tribute to his memory. 



■tSi^^^'*-^-^^ tA x^d 



CHARLES FREDEKIC UnVlMUS. 

Mr. Lummus was born in Lynn, on the 17th of 
August, 1801, and was one of the ten children of Dr. 
Aaron Lummus, who came here in 1782, and settled 
in Market street, his house standing where Tremont 
street now enters, that street having been opened 
through his orchard. He died in 1831, having been in 
practice here, about fifty years. 

The subject of this skcstch received a good common 
schoool education, and when old enough to "go to a 
trade" — a phrase which is now almost unmeaning — 
was placed in the respectable book printing office of 
Lincoln & Edmands, in Boston, to be initiated into the 
mysteries of the art. There he completed an appren- 
ticeship and remained a year or two as a journeyman. 

It was in July, 1825, that he issued proposals to en- 
lighten the good people of his native town with reflec- 
tions from the Mirror, and on the evening of the third 
of September, following, the promised sheet was spread 
before the expectant public. It certainly did not make 
an exceptionally fine appearance. The type was second- 
hand and much worn ; the paper coarse and dingy, and 



CHARLES F. LUMMUS. 185 

the ink approaching in appearance black mud. But the 
size of the sheet occasioned most remark, for the four 
pages were a little less than nine by eleven inches in 
dimensions. There was no bow to the public, no allu- 
sion to the publisher's plans, prospects, hopes or desires. 
Indeed there were only nineteen lines of editorial mat- 
ter in the whole sheet, half of them relating to a pre- 
vailing sickness, and the other half to a " book society 
getting up " in the Unitarian church. On the whole, 
the expectant public could hardly be charged with un- 
due fastidiousness in failing to bestow very high com- 
pliments 

It would seem remarkable that no paper had appeared 
in Lynn before the time of the Mirror, had it not been 
that in those days newspapers were not common out of 
the chief places, and were rather regarded as luxuries 
that could well be dispensed with. They did not give 
anything like the variety of information found in the 
journals of the present time, and there was little local 
news to make them interesting. 

But a few more words about the Mirror. Its ap- 
pearance was such that some of the brethren of the 
press took occasion to bestow upon it good-natured 
witticisms ; and in one or two instances were more im- 
polite. For instance, a copy was sent to the New 
England Galaxy, then under charge of the celebrated 
editor Buckingham, with a request to exchange, and 
was received back with the second e in the word Week- 
ly of the head changed by the pen to an a. Mr. 
24 






186 PART SECOND. 

Lummus, as he informed the writer, felt annoyed at the 
criticisms, and determined to improve his sheet as fast 
as his means would allow. In the fourth number appeared 
the following, which was the longest editorial which up 
to that time had graced the paper. ' ' Some of our 
wiser neighbors have taken occasion to sm^le at the size 
of our paper, and the want of the usual quantum of 
speculations denominated ' editorial remarks,' and 
' original matter.' Of the latter, we plead no deficiency, 
[correspondents having already begun to furnish their 
contributions,] and as to the former, we are so abund- 
antly served from abroad, that we are not anxious to 
obtrude ourselves on the public further than some 
obvious occasion may require. The remarks of our 
brethren of the type are quite good natured, and, to say 
the least, are an indication of the harmless character of 
our publication." 

" So abundantly served from abroad " This abund- 
ance is shown by a note, in which it is stated that " the 
newspapers and other periodical works received from 
Boston, Salem and other places, may be computed at 
not less than five hundred and fifty per week." So the 
average was less than one hundred a day. And it is 
natural to compare the circulation of papers here, at 
that time, with the circulation at this day. Mr. Mun 
roe, in his account published while our book is in press, 
says, " In 1880, there are daily sold in Lynn, no less 
than 10,000 papers, and the list is growing every day." 



CHARLES F. LUMMUS. 187 

During the existence of the Mirror there were no 
Sunday papers in this part of the country, even New 
York had none, till in or about 1836, when a young 
man who had worked in Lynn, in connection with a 
partner, who afterward became a member of Congress, 
established one. Now, Sunday papers abound, but 
whether to the detriment of good morals, is a question 
not here to be discussed. Mr. Munroe states, that on 
the last Sunday of September, 1880, there were 5,715 
Sunday papers sold in Lynn ; and it is not learned that 
there was anything in them to induce a specially large 
sale. 

The Mirror was published but six years, and grew 
from the unpromising condition of its first issue, to be 
good looking, respectable and readable ; for though Mr. 
Lummus made no pretention to the preparation of elab- 
orate editorials, he became ready in the way of short, 
off-hand articles — " squizzles," as he called them — 
and had excellent taste in making selections. The best 
writers in town sometimes contributed to its columns, 
and public affairs were freely discussed. Benjamin 
Mudge at one time appeared as editor, and 
Mr. Lewis at another. The paper,' however, varied 
much in character at different periods, for it cannot be 
said that the proprietor pursued a steady course, 
especially in politics. Pecuniarily, it was not success- 
ful ; and Mr. Lummus retired from the field quite as 
poor as he entered. 



188 PART SECOND. 

« 

Soon after discontinuing the Mirror, he published the 
first Directory of Lynn ; collected the information him- 
self, set up the type, and when the work was ready, 
delivered the copies to the subscribers he had previously 
obtained. This was in 1832. He was subsequently 
engaged in one or two other newspaper enterprises, in 
rather a small way, but none proved remunerative. 
Indeed he was not one of the class whom fortune favors 
in that direction. 

Mr. Lummus was very social in his disposition ; was 
acquainted with' everybody ; was an accomplished 
musician, and something of a military man. In all 
sorts of entertainments, from the dignified lyceum ex- 
ercise to the jovial chowder party, he was ready and 
active ; and though quite eccentric in many of his 
habits, inclinations and remarks, was not offeniively so, 
because of his inherent disposition to avoid injuring the 
feelings of others." Possessing a ready wit, his off- 
hand repartees were often quite amusing. Lawyer 
Gates, once said to him, " Charles, what does the F. 
in your name stand for?" "Philosopher," was the 
instantaneous reply. The old gentleman, who could 
appreciate and highly enjoy such a turn, repeated it, 
till our friend came to be known as Philosopher 
Lummus. 

In person, he was of medium size, good form, and 
erect ; but in the matter of dress, hardly so careful as 
would be expected of one in his social position ; not 
however, that he appeared otherwise than quite decently 



CHARLES F. LUMMUS. 189 

clad ; yet that shaggy old winter coat, of dingy gray 
and ancient cut, large enough for one much more obese 
than he; and reaching down like a modern ulster, was 
not such a garment as a Brummell would order his 
tailor to imitate. 

Mr. Luramus died on the 20th of April, 1838, at the 
age of 37 years. He was never married, though fond 
of female society, and from his intelligence and agree- 
able manners, esteemed by his many lady friends, as a 
gallant to lectures and other entertainments. As has 
already appeared in this brief sketch, he had marked 
singularities of character, but always proved so fast a 
friend and agreeable companion, that he was universally 
beloved. And he had such an honesty of purpose and 
strong desire to "do a little good in the world," as he 
expressed it, that his memory is more worthy of being 
cherished, than the memory of multitudes who -appear 
in more conspicuous positions. For many years, he 
and Mr. Lewis were fast friends, and ready to aid each 
other in literary pursuits. On his decease, Mr. Lewis 
paid the following comprehensive though brief tribute 
to his memory : " He was an excellent musician and 
a choice spirit. Few young men in Lynn were ever 
more extensively beloved, or more deserved to be. But 
thou art dead ! ' Alas ! poor Yorick ! ' Thine is a loss to 
be thought about, and thou shalt long live in our love." 

Such is a glimpse at the commencement of the print- 
ing business in Lynn, and a brief memorial of Charles 
Frederic Lummus, the pioneer printer. 



190 PART SECOND. 

Lynn appears to have been ever ready to respond 
when called to the martial field- In the Pequot war, 
as early as 1637, she furnished 21 soldiers, Boston 
furnishing 26, Salem 18, Charlestown 12, and Roxbury 
10. And one untoward consequence of that war to 
Lynn, no doubt, was the loss of Captain Nathaniel 
Turner, of whom a brief notice has already been given. 

When the military organization now known as the 
Ancient and Honorable Artillery was formed, in 1638, 
as remarked, Lynn furnished six members, one of 
whom, Daniel Howe, was chosen Lieutenant. And in 
that venerable corps, she has continued to be honorably 
represented, to the present time. 

In the French and Indian wars, Lynn contributed 
her full share of men, and made liberal contributions 
from her slender means. In the Revolution, and suc- 
ceeding, conflicts, she was not found lagging in duty. 
And in the late war of the Rebellion, she did more than 
her duty, if that were possible ; more, at least, than 
was required of her. What place, then, in the broad 
land, is better entitled to rear a Soldiers' Monument, 
or whose brave sons are more worthy of such a memo- 
rial of their heroic deeds ? 



POPULATION OF LYNX. 



191 




SOLDIER'S MONUMENT, Park S<:iiiaie, Lynn, erected in 1873. 

This chaste work of art was dedicated with fitting 
ceremonies on the 17th of September, 1873. It is 
allegorical and classic, and was designed by John A. 
Jackson, a native of Bath, Me., but a resident of 
Florence, Italy, in which city he died, in August, 1879, 
at the age of fifty-four years. The casting was done 
at Munich, in Bavaria, and the cost was $30,000. 



A brief statement of the population of Lynn may 
properly be made here. At the close of the Revolution 
the number of inhabitants was just about 2,000, a fact 
which shows, that through Colonial and Provincial 
times^ the increase was, by no means, rapid. The 



192 PART SECOND. 

progress for the last half century will appear by the fol- 
lowing statement ; bearing in mind that Sw^ampscott 
was set off in 1852, and Nahant in 1853. 

Years : 1830 1840 1850 1860 1870 1880 



Population : 6,138 9,367 14,257 19,083 28,S33 38,284 

The time to which the numbering relates was the 
first of June. And of the 38,284, given by the 1880 
census, 18,255 were males, and 20,029 females ; show- 
ing an excess of 1,774 on the part of the females. 

The Religious Societies of Lynn, number no less than 
twenty-five, and stand denominationally as follows : 

Methodist, (1 Afi'icaii) 7 Protestant Episcopal 1 

Baptist 5 Congregational, (Unitarian) . . 1 

Congregational, (Trinitarian.) . 4 Friends' 1 

Roman Catholic 2 Second Advent 1 

Universalist 2 Christian 1 

This gives one church for every 1,530 inhabitants. 
But our churches are not large ; perhaps collectively 
they would accommodate 18,000, which is not quite half 
the number of our people, reckoning those of all ages. 
And to the question whether they are well filled, it 
must be replied that on all ordinary occasions, with 
possibly one or two exceptions, there is eligible room to 
spare. Yet there is no doubt that Lynn has proportion- 
ately as large a church-going population as any city in 
New England. 

Of the territorial situation of Lynn, its natural fea- 
tures and scenery, little has been said ; and it is not 



NATURAL SCENERY. 193 

necessary 'that much space should be devoted to topo- 
graphical details, though it would be gratifying to have 
strangers, into whose hands our work may chance to 
fall, obtain at least a glimpse of our delightful sur- 
roundings. One is not so obnoxious to the charge of 
vanity in praising the natural beauties of his home, as 
in praising works of his own hand, for the reason that 
One greater than he created the former. And there is 
hardly need for the remark, that the contemplation of 
natural scenery, inspires very different feelings from the 
contemplation of the work of men's hands. A man 
builds a handsome house, and takes his neighbor in to 
examine and admire it ; not realizing that the neigh- 
bor's desires and tastes are probably very different from 
his, and though, through common courtesy, he expresses 
gratification, he yet may see many things, that to him, 
appear. amiss ; or envy and jealousy, which spoil any- 
thing, may intervene, and induce him mentally to play 
the critic. But when viewing the works of the 
Almighty, his enjoyment may be full, undisturbed by 
any thought that he could have made things better, 
unimbittered by any feeling of envy or jealousy But 
exceptions there may be ; for there undoubtedly are 
those who fancy that they could improve even on the 
works of the Creator. It is not, however, our purpose to 
attempt any elaborate descriptions, but merely to draw 
attention, in a plain way, to a few of the most notable 
features. 



194 PART SECOND. 

Lynn is pleasantly situated on the northern shore of 
Massachusetts Bay, about ten miles from Boston. Includ- 
ing Swampscott and Nahant, which, though they have 
now become independent municipalities, still seem to be 
merely territorial outposts, the seashore line measures 
about six miles ; and inland, from the sea, the Hue 
measures about five miles. The chief part of the 
settlement is on a plain, extending northward from the 
shore, to a range of rocky hills, many portions of which 
sustain a thrifty forest growth, highly picturesque in 
its effect, especially when the foliage assumes the rich 
and varied autumn tints. 

These hills, as observed from the water, really appear 
of greater height than a measurement determines, 
owing to the general level of the city. The bold por- 
phyry cliffs, that at intervals lift their grey old heads 
above the neighboring undulations, like titanic sentinels 
guarding against the encroachments of the ever-threat- 
ning sea, at once attract the eye ; yet their height is 
not very great, as is shown by the following little table, 
giving the elevation of some of the most conspicuous 
points, in feet : 

Lover's Leap 133 

Egg Rock 86 

Sagamore Hill 66 

Bailey;-^ Hill, (Nahaiit) ... 63 

From the hills which traverse our northern border, 
the sea being upon the south, most charming views, 
marine and landscape, are obtained ; comprising the 
lower harbor of Boston, with its man) islands, some of 



Reservoir Hill 224 

Dungeon Hills 280 

High Roc-k 170 

Sadler's Rock 166 



NATURAL SCENERY. 195 

the loftier spires of the city, the gilded dome of the 
State House, the monument on Bunker Hill, and away 
beyond the blue heights of Norfolk. Villages, hamlets, 
isolated habitations, and nestling cottages are discernible 
in every quarter, adorning the elevations, studding the 
shores and enlivening the vales. A large portion of the 
Bay, ever teeming with vessels of all descriptions, is 
within the range of vision, and in the misty distance, 
on the farther shore, may be traced the rocky indenta- 
tions and sandy heights that first met the cheerless gaze 
of the pilgrim fathers. Jutting out a few furlongs into 
the sea, is Nahant ; its bold, jagged cliffs defiantly 
confronting the billows of the Atlantic, which, century 
after century, urged onward by the stormy winds, have 
continued their furious assaults, as if still hopeful of 
final triumph in the citadel. 

Stretching out, here and there, from the base of the 
hills, are meadows and arable fields, and shady pre- 
cincts of decidedly rural aspect ; and then the busy 
city, scattered all over the plain, its many steeples, few 
towers and tall chimneys piercing the upper air. The 
hills themselves furnish many points of interest, em- 
bracing wild ravines, sunny slopes, rocky crests, and 
tangled dells, some with weird legendary appendages. 

The " Lakes of Lynn," as the series of beautiful 
ponds within our borders have been called, form a most 
pleasing feature ; and besides adding variety to the 



196 PART SECOND. 

scenery, have ever proved most useful adjuncts, furnish- 
ing the motive power for mills, the needed water for 
various manufacturing purposes, and supplying the little 
brooks which, in their turn, have furnished a highway for 
the alewife and other fish to reach their spawning fields," 
besides doing excellent service in ways that the cleanly 
housewife and panting cattle can well appreciate. These 
ponds have likewise yielded stores of excellent ice for 
summer use. During the cold season of 1878 and '79, 
some 30,000 tons were cut on Flax pond alone. 

Some of the springs, too, are worthy of note for their 
peculiar qualities, medicinal or otherwise. Indeed, the 
water hereabout, seems to have been one of the first 
objects to attract attention. William Wood, in his 
little volume entitled " New Englands Prospect," 
printed in London, in 1634, speaking of the water of 
Lynn, says : "It is farr different from the waters of 
P]ngland, being not so sharp but of a fatter substance, 
and of a more jettie colour ; it is thought there can be 
no better water in the world ; yet dare I not prefer it 
to good beere, as some have done ; but any man will 
choose it before bad beere, whey or buttermilk." In the 
many discussions that have taken place within the la.st 
three or four years in relation to our public water sup- 
ply, the relative purity of different sources, and the 
various qualities used in different places, it is a little 
remarkable that no one has thought of making use of 
Mr. Wood's certificate. 



THE ANIMATE CREATION. 197 

There are other subjects presenting themselves for 
notice, some of which should not be passed by in entire 
silence. All are interested in inquiries as to how our 
o-ood old forefathers lived ; what they ate and drank, 
and wherewithal they were clothed. Hints have been 
given, in preceding pages, as to the contributions from 
the forest and the sea ; but by a study of the following 
poetic enumeration of the specimens of animate crea- 
tion found here, one can perceive what a variety of 
dainty dishes may have been prepared. The effusion 
is supposed lo have been the production of some con- 
tented and jolly settler, who, perhaps, made his ap- 
pearance at the sixth or ninth hour. We give it as it 
appears in the "Centennial Memorial," merely doubling 
the lines for the saving of space. 

ni tell of what hath bin and is, by God his wonderous grace, 
Of beast and bird, reptyle and fish, in this once barb'rous place. 
Some of the nobler game erst found, within these forests wide. 
The moose, the beaver and the deer, no longer here abyde. 
Nor "-row ling bear, nor catamount, nor wolf, do now abound. 
But iniccoons, woodchucks, weasels, skunks, and foxes yet lurke 

round. 
And in the broocks and ponds still rove, the turtle and musk-ratt, 
The croaking paddock and leap-frog ; and in the air the batt. 
Serpents there be, but poys'nous few, save horrid rattlesnakes ; 
And adders of bright rainbow hue, that coyle among the brakes. 
And then of birds we have great store ; the eagle soaring high. 
The owl, the hawk, the woodpecker, the crow of rasping cry. 
The partridge, quail, and wood-pigeon, the plover and wild goose. 
And divers other smaller game, are here for man his use, 
And many more of plumage fair, in coo and song are heard ; 
The whippoorwill, of mournful note, the merry humming bird. 
In bog and pond the peeper pipes, at close of springtide day ; 
And fire-flies daunce like little stars along the lover's way. 



198 PART SECOND. 

Nor must we from our list leave out the stores of savory fish. 
That fill the ponds and fill the sea, and make the dainty dish. 

The codd, the haddock, halibut, the eel, the pickerell, 

The alewife, perch, bass and tautog, the smelt and mackerell. 

Lobsters and erabbs, too, so abound, His marvellous to see ; 
And mussels, clamms, and great qnahaugs make up A'ariety. 

Then why should we not love to eat. as well as eat to live. 

And bless the Lord who gave the meat, and pray Him e'er to give':* 

It is well to bear in .mind the fact that it was very 
common in those days for writers to express themselves 
in numbers, where people of this day would not ven- 
ture beyond plain prose. Clergymen often enforced 
their doctrinal points in this way, as is witnessed, for 
instance, by " Wiggles worth's Day of Doom." No 
doubt some adopted the style for the purpose of show- 
ing their ingenuity, while others thought it a surer way 
to fix a fact or image in the memory. Writers do 
sometimes have whims and comical peculiarities. Cotton 
Mather probably took as much pride in writing a whole 
volume with a single goose-quill, as he did in the volume 
after it was written. The lines given above are quaint, 
but should not be called doggerel. They are, as they 
were designed to be, descriptive, though not possessing 
the refinements of thought which we of this day expect 
in poetry — refinements indeed, that sometimes soar so' 
into intellectual mysticism, as to be above all common 
thought. And besides, the subject is one hardly calcu- 
liited to inspire the liveliest poetic conception. The 
couplets give a very compact, and no doubt truthful 
description, of what was found hereabout, on the earth, 
in the sea, and in the air. 



THE SOIL OF LYNX. 199 

That our woods once abounded with game, is, no 
doubt, true. The Indians, though almost by nature 
hunters, and to a considerable extent dependent for 
subsistence on their success in forest captures, were 
nevertheless fond of the products of the sea. Their 
little skiffs and larger canoes were ever bounding over 
the waves, and returning with their finny ladings. Of 
shell fish, they seem to have been extremely fond ; and 
of these, there was an abundant supply. The dusky 
matrons and frolicsome maidens were constantly visiting 
the sea shore and returning with their baskets of clams, 
and the sprawling lobster often furnished a dainty 
repast. The early writers speak of the abundance of 
game, in the woods and about the shores ; but the 
gunpowder and muskets of the white men soon began 
to make destructive inroads. As human population 
increases, of course the forests disappear, and wild 
beasts and fowls disappear with them. Quite within 
the recollection of the writer, there was far more game, 
in and about Lynn, than is at present found. 

The soil of Lynn is stony and not fertile. Much 
hard labor was required to clear the land ; and when it 
was cleared, the husbandman was often disappointed in 
his returns. Nevertheless, the sea, in addition to its 
other dispensations, yielded an abundance of valuable 
manure, and by patient industry and judicious culture, 
the ground was made to produce all that was absolutely 
required. The cobble stones, which lay about in every 



200 PART SECOND. 

direction, seemingly having descended in showers, and 
which are at this day found lying, as it were, in wind- 
rows in some of the outer sections, furnished a most 
durable, cheap and easily employed material for fencing. 
Some of the very pasture walls that the early fathers 
built, are still standing in their moss- clad dignity ; and 
being readily and at little expense repaired, are likely 
to stand for many years to come. The clearing and 
fencing of the fields went on like twin-employments, 
even before the plow could come to open up the 
unregenerated soil. Graham states, that in 1637, there 
were in the whole Colony, thirty-seven plows, most of 
them in Lynn. 

In the course of these pages, more than one allusion 
has been made to the architectural changes in our city. 
It has often been remarked, that one who was familiar 
with the place forty years ago, would hardly know it 
now, had he been absent during the mean time. The 
great change in the mode of manufacturing shoes has 
been the principal cause of this, at least, so far as 
relates to buildings erected for business purposes. It 
is quite within the recollection of our middle-aged 
people, that shoes were made by hand — not by ma- 
chinery. The shoes were cut in the manufacturer's 
shop, which was of wood and generally of small size, 
and thence taken by the workman to his own premises, 
made up, and returned. A great many, however, were 
carried by express-drivers to country towns, to Maine, 



SHOE MANUFACTURE. 201 

New Hampshire and Vermont, and there made up by 
workmen whose regular occupation was, perhaps, 
farming, but who resorted to the shoemaker's seat in 
winter and other unoccupied times. Some of these 
were unskilled, and their work so poor, that much 
annoyance was felt and constant complaint heard ; but 
still a great deal of work went out of town, and a 
great deal of money went to pay for it. But when 
machinery was introduced, a sudden and great change 
occurred. Large factories, often of brick, began to 
supplant the small cutting shops, and the little work- 
shops of the journeymen began rapidly to disappear. 
The new factories were built in a thorough and sub- 
stantial manner, as the ponderous machinery required ; 
some were tastily ornamented, and remain really fine 
specimens of architecture. To the factory it was now 
necessary that the workman should go to perform his 
labor. The work of making a shoe was divided among 
several, each having his particular part to do ; and the 
labor of all became so interlinked, that each depended 
much on the skill and promptness of the others for his 
own success. Rules were therefore introduced for the 
guidance of all. Regular hours were established, and 
every effort made to place the whole business on a firm 
and progressive footing. And so the business continues ; 
new factories are constantly rising, and though to the 
workman, there is some abridgement of the old-time 
freedom, it seems as if there were full compensation in 

the comfort, order and briskness of the factory, routine. 
26 



202 PART SECOND. 

As elsewhere remarked, Lynn has readily availed 
herself of the improvements and inventions, that have, 
from time to time, been devised for safety, comfort, and 
convenience. And one word may be said with special 
reference to protection against fire. In all civilized 
countries, and at all times, the dread of conflagrations 
has made men watchful of the element so useful when 
in subjection, but so dangerous when beyond control. 
Lynn has the proud preeminence of having turned out 
the first fire-engine made in America, as it was as early 
as 1654 that the selectmen of Boston bargained with 
Joseph Jenks, the ingenious mechanic to whom reference 
is made on page 89, " for an Ingine to carry water in 
case of fire." New York does not appear to have had 
any fire-engines till 1732, when a couple were pro- 
cured in London, But it is not our purpose now to go 
into historical details. 

The Steam Fire Engine is a comparatively late in- 
vention, and of exceeding value, especially in large 
places, Lynn has four of these efficient "machines," 
and everything necessary, for their advantageous use, to 
say nothing of the handsome and substantial buildings 
provided for their shelter, and the convenience of their 
companies, and about which, mettlesome horses are 
kept in readiness to instantly start, at the sound of the 
alarm bell. The department is provided with more 
than twelve thousand feet of hose ; and there are dis- 
tributed about the city, nearly four hundred hydrants, 
twenty capacious reservoirs, and a number of public 



THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. . 203 

wells, not to mention the ponds and tide-waters. The 
department is also provided with one large four-wheel 
double tank chemical fire extinguisher, and seven hand 
extinguishers. Why, at the great fire in London, there 
was nothing approaching an outfit like this. 

It would thus seem as if Lynn was well provided 
with means successfully to combat whatever is likely to 
occur in the way of conflagration ; and she has, taking 
her whole history into view, been remarkably free from 
great losses by fire ; yet fires will sometimes occur and 
spread in a most unaccountable manner ; so that, to 
relax in vigilance and preparation, would certainly be 
unwise. It is with fires, something as with railroad 
disasters — one cannot safely infer what is to be, from 
what has been. 

Every one will concede that the telegraphic fire 
alarm, which was established here in 1871, has proved 
extremely beneficial ; and, as population increases, it 
becomes more and more so. It saves an immense 
amount of doubt and confusion, such as formerly arose 
when the church bells in every quarter rang, without 
anything to indicate the section in which the danger 
existed. It has had the effect to very much reduce the 
excitement, and make things move in a more orderly 
manner, when an alarm is given. We do not now-a- 
days hear of mirrors being pitched from third-story 
windows, and lap-stones carried carefully to a distance, 
as we did fifty years ago. To the care and vigilance of 



304 PART SECOND. 

the police, however, much of the good order is to be 
attributed. 

The parade of the Fire Department formed an 
interesting feature of the Celebration, which was the 
occasion of the present work, and is noticed on our 
thirty-fifth page. 



In drawing to a close the pleasant though somewhat 
plodding labor of preparing our little volume, it 
can hardly be required to recapitulate or add anything 
to the variety of topics that have come under notice. 
It must have been observed that Lynn, unlike a number 
of other New England settlements, has all along de- 
pended on herself, procuring what she possessed, by her 
own industry ; in other words, she has had only what 
she has earned. Some of the early plantations were 
established in the course of mere business enterprise, 
and flourished under foreign influence and by foreign cap- 
ital. Especially in later times have the manufacturing- 
communities been nurtured, if not sustained, by means 
from without their limits. Not so with Lynn, at any 
period. And hence her citizen can traverse the streets, 
observe the fine structures that rise on every side, 
examine her raxny appliances for comfort and advance- 
ment, and say, Well, she has a good right to all these, 
for she has earned them by multiplied years of toil and 
frugality ; let her, in advancing years, enjoy the fortune 
she has earned. 



CONCLUSION. : 205 

We have not given a large amount of mere statistical 
details concerning the business of our city, though such 
statements have been made as doubtless will prove 
quite sufficient to give a general idea of the industrial 
pursuits, their nature, rise and progress. At all events, 
as much as could be expected in a work of these limits, 
it is thought, has appeared. The United States census 
of 1880, will be accompanied by a considerable amount 
of information oil business topics ; and it will come in 
such an authoritative shape, that for some years we shall 
be judged according to its developments. Let us not 
be ungrateful ; but, taking a retrospective glance over 
the two hundred and fifty years that are now forever 
gone, and, contemplating our present condition, devoutly 
thank the kind Providence under whose favor our 
efforts have been crowned with such success, that at no 
period have we been obliged to appear before the world 
as beggars, but on the contrary, have many times had 
opportunity to respond to calls for assistance from less 
favored communities. 

In the oration, minor speeches and letters, may be 
found many facts, suggestions, and fancies, if you will, 
which may prove of great worth to the future historian. 
The value of our New England local histories, which 
have so rapidly increased during the last few years, does 
not alone lie in tracing the progress of those pursuits 
which lead to material prosperity. There is a higher 
office to fill ; the office of tracing the development and 
effect of the great principles that rest on the deep 



206 PART SECOND. 

foundations of human right and human duty ; of trac- 
ing, even in so limited a sphere, the progress of the 
principles which have made our nation what she is. 

In the history of Lynn, perhaps as conspicuously as 
in that of any other New England community, however 
pretentious, may be observed the progress of those 
great principles to which we refer, and which in our 
introductory remarks, were spoken of as having been 
the birthright of the settlers, as Englishmen, shadowed 
forth in the Great Charter of 1215, and finally appear- 
ing in more pronounced form in the Declaration of 
American Independence, the Bills of Rights, and the 
Constitutions. In the careful study of our own history, 
the very individuals who labored for the blessings we 
enjoy are summoned up, some in the rude habiliments 
of the farmer and fisherman, but honest in purpose and 
fervent in spirit ; all manfully asserting, with eloquence, 
homely and halting at times, it may be, the firm de- 
termination to beat down, on this new soil, every 
upspringing growth that could ultimately obstruct the 
onward march of liberty and right. And so we can 
follow the patriot line, down through Colonial and Pro- 
vincial times, till hope and desire find fruition in the 
establishment of institutions as liberal and sound, per- 
haps, and as well adapted for human progress, as the 
world has yet seen. 

A considerable number of the heroic spirits of our 
earlier days, have, in these pages, been introduced : 



CONCLUSION. 207 

for there are few minds, common or cultivated, who do 
not derive real enjoyment from the presence of such 
company, even though they come but to bow and be 
gone. How delightful it is, occasionally in the still 
hour of retirement, to dreamily summon up some of the 
quaint old worthies, whose footprints are still so clearly 
discernible ; to evoke, for instance, the venerable 
Whiting, the sober Humfrey, or Holyoke, or Sadler, 
the ardent Dexter, or Purchis, for a friendly chat 
about their adventures, experiences and trials. And 
as they speak of their forlorn and homesick hours, 
with longings for a word of cheer, or kind remem- 
brance from kindred and friends, upon the other shore 
of a stormy ocean, with what eager boastfulness are we 
impelled to say to them, that we of this day have means 
to send a message, through the lone highway of the 
icy sea, to their old-world homes, and receive an an- 
swering despatch between the rising and setting sun of 
a winter day. But would they believe our report ? 
Assuredly, if received at all, it would- be largely tem- 
pered by incredulity. And when, even unbidden, the 
form of some specially venerated or endeared hero 
glides in at the meditative hour, what sensitive mind 
can fail to breathe a welcome as touching as that 
breathed by America's revered poet, to a kindred spirit : 

" His presence haunts this room to-night, 
A form ot mingled mist and light. 

From that far coast. 
Welcome beneath this roof of mine ! 
Welcome ! tliis vacant chair is thine, 

Dear ghost !" 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE 

OF EVENTS FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE SETTLEMENT 
TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



1629. Five families, chief among them Edmund Ingalls and his 

brother Francis, arrive and commence the settlement. 

1630. Thomas Newhall born; being the first person of European 

parentage born here. 
1630. Wolves kill several swine belonging to the settlers, Sep- 
tember 30. 

1630. Fifty settlers, cliieflj' farmers, and many of them with families, 

arrive and locate in difterent parts of the territory. 

1631. Governor Winthrop passed through the settlement Oct. 28, and 

noted that the crops were plentiful. 

1632. First Church, being the fifth in the colony, formed; Stephen 

Bachelor, minister. 

1633. A corn mill, the first in the settlement, built on Sirawberry 

Brook. 

1634. John Ilumfrey arrives and settles on his farm, near Nahant 

street. 
1634. The settlement sends her first Representative — Capt. Nathaniel 
Turner — to the General Court. 

1634. William Wodd, one of the first comers, publishes his " New 

En glands Prospect." 

1635. Philip Kirtland, the first shoemaker, arrives. 

1637. Name of the settlement changed from Saugus to Lynn. 
1637. At this time there were thirty-seven ploughs owned in the 
Colony, most of them in Lynn. 

1637. Settlement of Sandwich comniencetl by emigrants from Lynn. 

1638. First division of lands among the inhabitants. 

1639. Ferry established across Saugus River. 

1639. Fii-st bridge over Saugus river at Boston street crossing built. 

1643. Iron Works established on Saugus river; first in America. 

1644. Hugh Bert and Samuel Bennett, of Lynn, presented to the 

grand jury, as "common sleepers in time of exercise.'' 
Both were fined. 
27 



210 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

1646. Lynn made a market town — Tuesday, the lecture day, being 

appointed market day. 
1658. Dungeon Rock supposed to have been rent by an earthquake. 

entombing alive Thomas Veal, the pirate, with treasure. 
1666. A year of disasters. Several die of small pox. " Divers are 

slain by lightning." Grasshoppers and caterpillars do much 

mischief. 
1669. Boniface Burton dies, aged 113 yeai's. 
1671. A year remarkable for storms. A violent snow storm, Jan. 18. 

with much thunder and lightning. 
1680. Dr. Philip Read, the first physician here, complains to the' 

Court of Mrs. Margai'et Gifford, as a witch. 

1680. The great Newtonian comet appears in November, exciting 

much alarm. 

1681. The Court allows Lynn to have two licensed public houses. 

1682. Old Tunnel Meeting- house built. 

1686. Indian Deed of Lynn given, Sept. 4. 

1687. Thomas Newhall, the first white person born here, dies in 

March, aged 57. 

1688. Excitement about Edward Randolph's petition to Gov. Andros 

for a grant of Nahant. 
1692. Great witchcraft excitement. 
1694. A church fast appointed by Rev. Mr. Shepard, July 19, for the 

arrest of the " spiritual plague" of Quakerism. 

1696. Severe winter; coldest since the settlement commenced. 

1697. Much alarm in Lynn on account of small pox. 
1706. Second division of lands among the inhabitants. 

1708. A fast held on account of the ravages of caterpillars and canker 
worms. 

1716. Extraordinary darkness at noonday, Oct. 21; dinner tables 

lighted. 

1717. Memorable snow storms, Feb. 20 and 24; one-story houses 

buried. 
1719. Northern Lights observed for the first time, Dec. 17; a startling 

display. 
1723. Terrific storm, Feb. 24, the sea raging and rising to an alarming 

height. 
1723. First mill on Saugus river, at Boston street crossing, Ijuilt. 
1726. £13.15 awarded to Nathaniel Potter, for linen manufactured at 

Lynn. 
1745. Mr. Whitefield preaches on Lynn Common, creating much 

excitement. 

1749. Great drought, hot summer, a-id immense nuiltitudes of 

grasshoppers. 

1750. John Adam Dagyr, an accomplished shoemaker, arrives. 
1755. Greatest eartiiquake ever known in New England. Nov. 18. 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 211 

1755. Whale, seventy-five feet in length, landed on King's Beac-h, 

Dec. 9. 

1759. Bear, weighing 400 pounds, killed in Lynn woods. 

1768. Joseph Williams kills a catamount in Lynn woods. 

1770. Potato rot prevails. Canker worms commit great ra\ ages. 

1775. Battle of Lexington, April 19 — five Lynn men killed. 

1776. Twenty-six negro slaves owned In Lynn. 

1780. Memorable Dark Day, May 19; houses lighted as at night. 
1772. Whole number of votes for governor given in Lynn, 57; and all 

but 5 for Hancock. 
1784. General Lafayette passed through Lynn, Oct. 28, the people 

turning out to do him honor. 
1788. General Washington passed through town, in October, receiving 

aflfectionate greetings from old and young. 

1793. Lynn post oflice established ; and first kept on Boston street, 

near Federal. 

1794. On Christmas day, at noon, in the open air, the thermometer 

stood at 80 degrees. 

1795. Brig Peggy wrecked on Long Beach, Dec. 9, and eleven lives 

lost. 

1796. The first fire engine for public use purchased. 

1800. Memory of AVashington honored; procession and eulogy.. 
Jan. 13. 

1800. An elephant first shown in Lynn 

1800. First dancing school opened. 

1800. Manufacture of morocco introduced. 

1803. Boston and Salem Turnpike opened, and Ljiin Hotel built. 

1803. A snow storm took place in May : and the singular spectacle 
was presented of fruit trees in bloom and the ground cov- 
ered with snow. 

1803. Miles Sliorey and wife killed by ligiitning, July 10. 

1804. Independence first celebrated in Lymi. 

1804. Snow fell in July. 

1805. First Masonic Lodge— Mount Carmel— constituted June 10. 
1808. First law office in Lynn opened by Benjamin Merrill. 

1808. Great bull fight at Half Way House. Bulls and bull dogs en- 
gaged. 

1808. I^ynn Artillery chartereil, Nov. 18, and two brass field pieces 
allowed them. 

1808. Trapping of lobsters first practiced at Swampsc-ott. 

1812. Lynn Light Infantry chartered, June 30. 

1813. Moll Pitcher, celebrated fortune-teller, died April 9, aged 75. 

1814. Lynnfield incorporated as a .separate town. 
1814. First Town House built. 

1814. First bank established. 

1815. Saugus incorporated as a seinirate town. 



212 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

1815. Terrific southeast gale, Sept. 23; ocean spray driven several 

miles inland ; fruit on the trees impregnated with salt. 

1816. Great horse trot on the Turnpike, in Lynn, Sept. 1 ; said to be 

the first in New England. Major Stackpole's '"Old Blue"' 
ti'otted three miles in eight minutes and forty-two seconds. 

1817. President Munroe passed through Lynn. 

1819. The great sea-serpent appeared off Long Beach. 

1824. General Lafayette visited Lynn, Aug. 31, receiving an enthusi- 

astic welcome; was addressed by Capt. John White in behalf 
of the town, and returned an affectionate reply. 

1825. First Lynn newspaper— the Weekly Mirror— issued Sept. 3. 

1826. First Savings Bank incorporated. 

1827. Broad and brilliant night arch, Aug. 28. 

1828. A whale, sixty feet long, cast ashore on Whale Beach, May 2. 

1829. Splendid display of frosted trees, Jan. 10. 

1830. Donald McDonald, a Scotchman, dies in Lynn Almshouse, Oct. 

4, aged 108 years. He was at the battle of Quebec when 
Wolfe fell, and with Washington at Braddock"s defeat. 
1833. Extraordinary shower of meteors, Nov. 13. 

1837. Surplus United States revenue distributed. Lynn received 

$14,879.00, and applied it to the payment of the town debt. 

1838. Eastern Railroad opened for travel from Boston to Salem, 

Aug. 28. 
1841. The first picture by the new art known as Daguerreotype or 

photography ever taken in Lynn, was a landscape, taken 

this year by James R. Newhall, by an instrument imported 

from France. 
1843. A splendid comet; first appeared about noonday, Feb. 1. 
1843. Schooner Thomas wrecked on Long Beach, March 17, five 

men perishing. 
1843. Breed's Pond formed. Theophilus N. Breed built a dam acioss 

the valley, on the northeast of Oak street, flowing some 

fifty acres, and thus forming the pond and securing water 

power for his iron works. 
1846. Mexican war commenced. Lynn furnished wenty volunteers. 
1846. Congress boots began to be manufactured. 

1846. Destructive fire on Water Hill, Aug. 9. I^arge brick silk-print- 

ing establishment, spice and coffee mill, and two or three 
smaller buildings, destroyed. 

1847. President Polk made a short visit to Lynn, July 5. 

1848. Carriage road over harbor side of Long Beach built. 
1848. Lynn Common fenced. 

1848. George (iray, the Lynn hermit, dies Feb. 28, aged 78. 

1849. Fiynn Police Court established. 

1849. Large emigration to California. 

1850. Lynn adopts the city form of government. 
1850. Pin(! (irove Cemetery consecrated, July 24. 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 213 

1850. Thirteen persons of a picnic party from Lynn drowned in 
Lynnfield pond, Aug. 15. 

1850. Ten liour system i^enerally atlopted. Bells rung at six p. m. 

1851. On March IB, and April 15, the tide, during violent storms, 

swejit entirely over Long Beach. 
1851. John J. Perdy was murdered at his boarding house, Market 
street, June 28. 

1851. Hiram Marble commences the excavation of Dungeon Rock. 

1852. Swampseott incorporated as a sepai'ate town. 

1852. Louis Kossuth, the Hungarian exile, is enthusiastically received 

in Lynn, May 6. 
1852. Death of Henry Clay noticed by the tolling of bells and raising 

of flags at half-mast, July 3. 

1852. Funeral services in memory of Daniel Webster were held in 

the First Congregational Church, Oct. 29, the day on which 
the statesman was buried at Mai'shfield. 

1853. Nahant incorporated as a separate town, March 29. 
1853. Prize fight on Lynnfield road, Jan. 3; parties arrested. 
1853. Illuminating gas first lighted in Lynn, Jan. 13. 

1853. Cars commence running over Saugus Branch Raih-oad, Feb. 1. 
1853. Patrick McGuire fatally stabbed in Franklin street, Sept. 26. 

1855. City charter so amended that the municipal year commences on 

the first Monday of January instead of first Monday of 
April. 

1856. Two bald eagles appeared on the ice in Lynn harbor, Jan. 17. 
1856. Ezra R. Tebbetts, of Lynn, killed by a snow-slide from a house 

in Bromfield street, Boston, Feb. 12. 

1856. Egg Rock Light shown for the first time, Sep. 15. 

1857. Bark Tedesi-o wrecked at Swampseott, all on board, twelve in 

number, perishing, Jan. 18. 
1857. Small pearls found in muscles at Floating Bridge and Flax 
ponds. 

1857. Trawl fishing began to be practiced thi'; year. 

1858. Telegraphic communication between Lynn and other places 

established. 
1858. Impromptu Atlantic cable celebration, Aug. 17, on the arrival 

of the news of Queen Victoria's message to President 

Buchanan. 
1858. Blue fish appear in the ofling, in large numbers, in early 

autumn, and a.e supposed to have carried on a successful 

war against the menhaden, as bushels of the latter were 

picked up dead on the shore. 

1858. Magnificent comet, Donati's, visible in the northwest, in the 
^ autumn. 

^ 1858. Catholic Cemetery consecrated Nov. 4, by Bishop Fitzpatrick. 

1859. British bark Vernon, from Messina for Boston, driven ashore 

on Long Beach, Feb. 2. Crew sav(Kl by life-boat. 



214 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

1859. Roman Catholic Church, Ash street, burned. May 28. 

1859. Brilliant display of northern lii^hts; whole heavens covered' 

Aug'. 28. 
1859. Union Street Methodist meeting-house destroyed by fire Nov. 20. 

1859. Lynn church bells w^ere tolled at sunrise, noon and sunset, Dec. 

2, in observance of the execution of John Bi'own, at Charles- 
town, Va. 

1860. Harbor so frozen, in January, that persons walked acro.ss to 

Bass Point. 
I860. Shoemakers' great strike commenced in February. 
1860. Prince of Wales passed through Lynn, Oct. 20. 
1860. First horse railroad cars commence running, Nov. 29. 

1860. Market street first lighted by gas, Dec. 7. 

1861. Alonzo Lewis, historian and poet, dies, Jan. 21, aged 66. 

1861. Splendid comet suddenly appears, July 2, the tail of which had 
actually swept the earth three days before, producing no dis- 
turbance, and only a slight apparently auroral light in the 
atmosphei'e. 

1861. The extensive edifice known as Nahant Hotel destroyed by fire- 
Sept. 12. 

1861. Lynn Light Infantry and Lynn City Guards, two full companies. 

start for the seat of the Southern Rebellion, April 16, only 
four days after the attack on Fort Sumter, and but five hours 
after the arrival of the requisition of President Lincoln. 

1862. Lynn Free Public Library opened. 

1862. Enthusiastic Avar meeting on Lynn Common, Sunday, Aug. 31: 

services omitted at chui'ches. 
1862. Soldiers' Burial Lot, in Pine Grove Cemetery, containing 3,600 

squfU'e feet, laid out. 

1862. Nathan Breed, Jr. murdered in his store, on Summer street, 

Dec. 23. 

1863. Extraordinary ravages of caterpillai's and canker worms. 

1864. The thermometer rose to 104 degrees in shady places in Lynn. 

June 25; indicating the warmest day, here, of which there- 
had been any record. 

1864. Free delivery of ]x>st-office matter Iiegins. 

1864. (Jreat drought and extensive fires in the Avoods during tlu- 
summer. 

1804. First steam fire engine owned by the city, arrived, Aug. 11. 

1864. The old Town House, (built in 1814), burned Oct. 6, and Josei)li 

Bond, confined in the lockup, burned to death. 
1801. The schooner Lion, from Hockland, Me., was wrecked on 
r.ong Beach. Dec. 10, and all on board, six in numlx-r. 
perished. Their cries were heard above the storm, but 
(hey could not be reached. 

1865. News of the fall of Richmond received, \\n-'i\ 3. Great rejoic- 

ing — bells i-uiig. buildings illuminated, bonfires kindled. 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 216 

1865, Xews of the assassination of President Lincoln, received, 
April 15. Mourning insignia displayed in public buildings 
and churches^ 

1865. Corner stone of City Hall laid, Nov. 28. 

1866. Gen. Sliernian passed through Lynn, July 16, and was cordially 

greeted. 

1866. A meteoric stone fell in Ocean street, in September. 

1867. Terrific snow storm, Jan. 17. 

1867. Balloon ascension from Lynn Common, July 4. 

1867. City Hall dedicated, Nov. 30. 

1868. Decoration Day observed. May 30. Soldiers' graves strewed 

with fiowers. [Subsequently repeated as an annual ob- 
servance.] 
1868. Hiram Marble, excavator of Dungeon Rock, died Nov. 10, aged 
65, having pursued his arduous and fruitless labors about 17 
years. 

1868. Very destructive fire on Market street, Dec. 25. Lyceum build- 

ing, Frazier's and Bubier's brick blocks destroyed. Whole. 
loss about $300,000. 

1869. Mary J. Hood, a colored woman, died Jan. 8, aged 104 years 

and 7 months. 

1869. Another destructive fire occurred on the night of Jan. 25. It 
commenced in the brick shoe manufactory of Edwin H. 
Johnson, on Munroe street, and consumed property to the 
amount of some $170,000. 

1869. On the evening of April 15, there was a magnificent display of 
beautifully tinted aurora borealis, during. which a meteor of 
gi'eat brilliancy shot across the eastern sky. 

1869. Severe gale on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 8; next in violence 
to that of Sept. 23, 1815. Several small buildings destroyed, 
and a multitude of trees uprooted. More tlian four hundn^d 
shade trees prostrated in Lynn. 

1869. The Turnpike through Lynn, from Salem to Chelsea Bridge, be- 
came a public highway this year. 

1869. Sidney B. Pratt died, Jan. 29, aged 54. He was long in a suc- 

cessful express business, and left by will, foi the benefit of 
the Free Public Library, $10,000. 

1870. Young Men's Christian Association incorporated, March 31. 
1870. The first regatta of the Lynn Yacht Club took place, June 17. 
1870. Land near Central railroad depot sold at $5 per s-quare foot; the 

highest rate up to this time. 

1870. The new brick market house on Central avenue opened for trade. 

Nov. 19. 

1871. Rev. Joseph Cook, at the time minister of the First Church, of 

Lynn, gave a series of Sunday evening lectures, in Music 
Hall, early this year, creating considerable excitement by 
his rather sensational denunciations. He afterward became 
famous, in this country and Europe, by his ethical lectures. 



216 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

1871. Eleven Lynn persons killed by the disaster on the Eastern Rail- 
road, at Revere, Aug. 26. The whole number killed was 33, 
and about 60 wounded. 

1871. Electric fire alarm established. 

1871. President Grant passed through Lynn, Oct. 16. 

1871. William Vennai-, alias Brown, murders Mrs. Jones, is pursued. 

and in his further desperate attempts, is shot, Dec. 16. 

1872. City Hall bell raised to its position in the tower, March 2. 
1872. Meeting of City Council commemorative of the recent death of 

Prof. Morse, inventor of the electric telegraph, April 16. 

1872. S. O. Breed's box factory, foot of Commercial street, struck by 
lightning, and totally consumed, Aug. 13. The summer of 
this year was remarkable for the frequency and severity of 
its thunder storms. 

1872. Brick house of worship of First Churcli, South Common street, 
corner of Vine, dedicated, Aug. 29. 

1872. Tngalls and Cobbet school houses dedicated. 

1872. Odd Fellows' Hall, Market street, corner of Summer, dedicated 
Oct. 7. 

1872. Brick and ii"on depot of Eastern Railroad, Central Square, built. 

1872. Singular disease, called epizootic, prievailed ainong horses during 
the latter part of autumn. Wheel i-arriages almost entirely 
ceased to run, excepting as drawn by oxen, and sometimes 
by men. All sorts of odd turnouts appeared in the streets. 
The disease, though not in many cases fatal, was disabling 
and evidiently painful, being a kind of catarrhal fever 

1872. Much speculation in real estate; prices high, and Inisiness 

active. 
1872 Pine Hill Reservoir built. 

1873. Pumping engine at Puljlic Water Works, Walnut street, first 

put in operation Jan. 14, sending water from Breed's Pond 

into the Pine Hill Reservoir. 
1873. English sparrows make their appearance in Lynn — prol^ably 

the progeny of those imported into Boston. 
1873. Soldiers' Monument, Park square, dedicated Sept. 17. 
1873. ('oncrete street crossings began to be laid this year, 
1873. Grand Masonic parade, Oct. 22. 
.1873. Friends' Biennial Conference held in Lynn, Nov. 19. 

1873. Birch Pond formed, by running a dam across Birch Brook 

valley, on the east of Walnut street, near Saugus line. 

1874. '*Lynn Home for Aged Women" incorporated, Feb. 6. 

1874. Grand Celebration of St. Patrick's Day in Lynn, March 17. by 

the Irish organizations of Essex county. 

1875. Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad opened ibr travel. 

July 22. 
1875. Sea S('r])ent alleged to have been seen off Egg Rock, in August. 



CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 217 

1875. The General Convention of Universalists in the United States 
commenced a session here Oct. 20; weather good and at- 
tendance large; Christian courtesy extended by people of 
all denominations, in the entertainment of delegates. 

1875. Great depression in business affairs; many tradesmen and 
merchants fail, and real estate almost insalable even at 
greatly reduced prices. 

1875. Unusual number of "tramps," that is, homeless wanderers 

from place to place, appear in Lynn, and receive temporary 
relief. 

1876. The great World's Exposition, at Philadelphia, opens May 10. 

A number of our business men placed articles of their man- 
ufacture on exhibition, and on the whole the city makes a 
good show. A large number of men, women and children 
from Lynn, attend the exhibition during the six months it 
remains open. 

1876. A fire occurred in Market street, July 26, in the wooden build- 
ing occupied by R. A. Simulding, W. T. Bowers and Mrs. 
Laney. Loss about $17,000. 

1876. The desti'uctive Colorado beetle, or potato bug, first made its 
appearance in Lynn in the summer of this year. 

1876. Centennial year of the Republic. Appropriate observances, 
July 4. "Centennial Memorial" published by order of the 
City Council, containing an Historical Sketch, by James R. 
Xevvhall, and Notices of the Mayors, with portraits. 

1876. Brick fire-engine house, Federal street, built. 

1876. Benjamin F. Doak died, Nov. 8, aged 50 years; bequeathed 
$10,000 — since known as the "Doak Fund" — for the benefit 
of the deserving poor of the city. 

1876. A splendid meteor passed over the city on the evening of Dec. 20. 

1877. Sweetser's four-story brick building, at junction of Central 

avenue and Washington and Oxford streets, burned April 7, 
with adjacent building'. Whole loss, about $115,000. 
1877. The last building o)i Market street exclusively occupied as a 
dwelling — the Dr. Coffin house — removed. 

1877. Extraordinary phosphorescent glow in the waters, as they 

dashed upon the shores, in September. 

1878. Successful balloon ascension from Park Square, July 4. City 

Mars'nd Fry, Alderman Aza A. Breed, and Mr. F. Smith, 
newspaper i-eporter, accompanied the aeronaut. 
1878. Dennis Kearney, radical agitator and "sand-lot orator," from 
California, addressed a large crowd on the Common, on the 
evening ot Aug. 12. 

1878. Brick tire-engine house, on Broad street, built. 

28 



218 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

1878. At midnight, Dec. 2, the thei'inometer stood higher in Lynn :iud 
vicinity, than in any other section of the country — six degrees 
higher than in New Orleans, La., seven higher than in Sa- 
vannah, Ga., nine higlier than in Charleston, S. C, and ten 
higher than in Jacksonville, Florida. 

1878. On the 17th of Dec, for the first time in sixteen years, gold 

stood at par; that is, $100 in gold were worth just $100 in 
greenback government notes. The extreme of variation was 
in July, 1864, when $100 in gold were worth $285 in notes. 

1879. The brick house of worship of the First Methodist Society, Park 

Square, dedicated, Feb. 27. 
1879. The newly-invented telephone, came into use, in Lynn, this year, 

especially for business purposes. 
1879. Two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of Lynn. 

celebrated, June 17. A full account of the proceedings ap- 
pears in this volume. 
1879. Business begins to become decidedly active after some seven 

years of depression. 
1879. John A. Jackson, designer of the Soldiers' Monument, Park 

Square, died in Florence, Italy, in Aug., aged 54. 
1879. St. Joseph's Cemetery (Catholic) consecrated, Oct. 16. 
1879, Extraordinary occurrence ot a perfectly clear sky, all over the 

United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, Nov. 24, as 

reported by the U. S. Signal Corps. 



INDEX. 



[Surnames are arranged alphabetically with the subjects.] 



Aborn, 31. 

Addresses at Banquet, by 

Buttiuii, James N. 76. 

Hall, Harmon 68. 

Kimball, Chas. E. 56. 

Long, Lieut. Gov. 53. 

MacLean, Chas. 72. 

Newliall, James R. 58. 

Richardson, T. P. 69. 

Sanderson, Mayor 50. 

Usher, R. G. 64. 
Alden, 30. 

Aldermen, lists of 177 
Alley, 79, 80. 

Along Boston street, 86 to 111. 
Alvis, 66, 67. 
Anchor Tavern, 86. 
Andrew, 129. 

Andros, 43, 44, 87, 145, 166, 210. 
Animals, 197, 209, 210, 211. I 

Antiques and Horribles, parade i 

of 26. ! 

Architecture, 114, 200. i 

Armitage, 41. 87. [ 

Artillery, An. and Hon, 171, 190. | 
Atmospheric anomaly, 218. i 

Attvvill, 140. ' I 

Aurora borealis. 210. 212, 214, 

215. 1 

Autographs, vi. I 

Ayers, 30. | 

B ! 

Pjachelor & Batehelder, 130, 140, ! 

141, 149. See Biog. Sketches. j 
[^alley's hill, 194. 

Baird, 31. ' 

Baker. 125. 110, 177. See Biog. 

Sketi'hes. 
Ballard. 171. 
Bancroft, 104. 
Bands of ]\Iusic, 27. 
Bank, first 211. 
Banquet, the 48 to 81. 
Barlow, 107. 
Barnes, 67. , 



Barton, 31. 

Bassett, 43, 140, 141, 149. See 

Biog. Sketches. 
Bates, 177. 
Beard 52 

Beckford,' 177. See Bickford. 
Belcher, 87. 
Bells, 104, 106. 
Bennet, 41. 
Berkeley, 47. 

Bickford, 125. See Beckford. 
Bicycle race, 27. 
Biddle, 50. 

Bilbows, punishment of 163. 
Billings, 177. 

Bill of Fare at Banquet, 49. 
Biographical Sketches and 
Persona l Notices : 

Baker, Daniel C, Mayor, 125. 

Bassett, William 149. 

Batehelder, John 149. 

Blanchard, Amos 105. 

Breed, Allen 173. 

Breed, Andrews, Mayor, 127. 

Breed. Hiram N., Mayor, 130. 

Bubier, Samuel M., Mayor, 136. 

Buffum. James N., Mayor, 133. 

Burrill, Ebenezer 91. 

Burrill, George 108. 

Burrill, John 90, 146. 

Carnes. 'Squire, 99. 

Davis, Edward S., Mayor, 129. 

Dexter, Thomas 162. 

Flasg, Dr. 102. 

Fuller, John 93. 

Gray, (ien., Lvnn hermit, 108. 

Gray. William 102. 

Hannibal, (slave) 100. 

Holyoke, Edward 92. 

Hood, George, Mayor. 123. 

Humfrey, John 158. 

Ingalls, E. A. 150. 

Johnson, William F., IMavoi-. 
128. 

Jones. Benj. H. 150. 

Laughton, Thomas 143. 

Lewis, Alonzo 151. 

Lewis. Jacob M.. Mayor, 135. 



220 



INDEX. 



Lummus, Chas. F. 184. 

Mansfield, Andrew 141. 

Manstield, Daniel 107. 

Mansfield, John, Col. 106. 

Mansfield, Joseph 103. 

Merritt, Charles 140. 

Moulton, Joseph 103. 

Mndi;e, Benj. F., Mayor, 124. 

Mudge, Ezra W., Mayor, 127. 

Neal, Peter M., Mayor, 131. 

Newhall, Horatio, Dr. 104. 

Newhall, Isaac 104. 

Parsons, Chas. E. 150. 

Pompey, King, (slave) 107. 

Purchis, Oliver 144. 

Richardson, Thos. P., Mayor, 
126. 

Sanderson. Geo. P., Mayor, 137. 

Stickney, J. C. 154. 

Turn(!r, Nathaniel 169. 

Usher, Roland G., Mayor, 132. 

Walden, Edwin, Mayor, 134. 

Whiting, Rev. Samuel 59 to 62, 
167. 
Birds, 197. 

Birtliplace of Alonzo Lewis, 95. 
Black Will, 164, 165. 
Blakely, 177. 
Blanchard, 105. 
Bligh, 145. 
Boardman, 30. 
Bohannan, 177. 
Bond, 214. 
Bonfire, 96. 
Boston street, old landmarks in 

and about 86 to 111. 
Bowers, 31, 217. 
Bowler, 44, 102, 141. 
Bradstreet, 87, 163. 
Bray, 128. 
Breed. 26, 45, 52, 124, 127, 130, 140, 

141, 149, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 

212, 214, 216, 217. See Biog. 

Sketches 
Bridge over Saugus river, 85, 209. 
Bridges, (sui'name,) 45. 
Brimblecom, 177. 
Brooks, (surname,) 65, 66. 
Brown, 87, 216. 
Bubier, 106, 121, 136, 215. See 

Biog. Sketches. 
Buchanan, 213. 
Buckingham, 185. 
BuffumT 76, 133, 134. See Biog. 

Sketches. 
Buildings. See Architecture. 
Bunker'^Hill, battle. 106. 
Bunyan, 47. 
Burcham, 141. 
Burke, 75. 



Burrill, 14, 53, 90, 91, 98, 99, 141, 
146, 147, 168. See Biog. Sketches. 
Burton, 210. 
Business Centres, 111. 



Callahan, 30. 

(Barnes, 99. 

Carr, 177. 

Carswell, 177. 

Casey, 30. 

Cemeteries, 108, 212, 213, 218. 

Census items, 191. 

Cervantes, 47. 

Ciiadwell, 44, 177. 

Chapman, 177. 

Charles, King 47, 74. 

Chase, 30, 63, 65, 66, 67, 126, 140. 

Cheever, 43. 

Children in the procession, 35. 

Children's banquet, 35. 

Childs, 89. 

Chocolate manufticture, 89. 

Christian Association, Young 
Men's 215. 

Chronological Table, 209, 

Churches, 15, 192. 

City and town ofiicers, 123, 140 
141, 149, 177. 

City Hall, 119. 215. 

Clark, 45, 140. 

Clay, 213. 

Climate, eftect of 18. 

C;loth, manufacture of 113, 210. 

CobO, 132. 

Cobbet, 165. 

Colorado beetle, 217. 

Coldam, 41. 

Collins, 87, 141. 

Comets, 210, 212, 213, 214. 

Commencement of Settlement, 7. 

Common (Council, list of members 
of 177. 

Common Council, Presidents of, 
140. 

Common law, 17. 

Constitution, frigate, 96. 

Cook, 215. 

Coulton, 67. 

Court, the General 21. 

Courting, unlawful 94. 

Crandal. 45. 

Cromwell, 47, 61, 74. 

Cummins, 155. 

Currency. U. S., comparati\e val- 
ue of, 218. 

Curi-ier, 78, 79. 

Curry, 30. 

Gushing, 105. 

Cushman, 30. 



INDEX. 



221 



r> 

Dagyr, 41, 54, 101, 210. 

Damon, 183. 

Dani'e house, 108. 

Dark Davs, '210, 211. 

Davis, 127, 129, 130, 140. See 

Biog. Sketches. 
Decoration Day, 215. 
Descartes, 47. 
Dexter, 40, 52, 129, 162, 163, 164, 

165, 166, 167. See Biog. Sketches 
Directory, tirst Lynn 188. 
Diseases and vital statistics, 181. 
Dixey, 38, 42. 
Dixwell, 74. 
Doak fund, 217. 
Dodge, 30. 
Drury, 30. 
Dryden, 47. 
Duchesney, 30. 
Duke William 164, 165. 
Duncan, 41. 
Dungeon hills, and Rock, 194, 210, 

213. 

Eastern railroad, 112. 

Eaton, 165. 

Egg Rock, 194, 213. 

Election day, 109. 

Emerson. 30. 

Endicott, 38, 87, 163 

Engravings. See Illustrations, v. 

Epizootic, 216. 

Exercises at Music Hall, 36 to 48. 

F 

Farmer, 135. 
Fawkes, 37. 
Ferry, ancient, 88, 209. 
Fire Alarm, telegraphic, 203, 216. 
Fire Department, 32, 35, 202. 
Fires, 171, 212, 214, 215, 216, 217. 
Fireworks, 80. 

Fishes, variety of found here, 197. 
Fitzgerald, 177. 
Flag^g, 102. 

Flax, cultivation of 97, 113. 
Flax pond, sports at 27. 
Flint, 26. 44, 177. 
Flockton. 31. 
Fogg, 177. 
Forman, 183. 
Franklin, 47. 
Frazier, 121, 157. 215. 
Fry, 30, 217. 

Fuller, 45, 93, 94, 141. See Biog. 
Sketches. 



a 

Gage, 44. 

Gales, 212, 215. 

Game, found hereabout, 199. 

Gas, 213. 

Gates, 188. 

Geddes, 74. 

General Court, 21. 

Giftbrd, 210. 

Gilmore, 177. 

Glidden, 150. 

Goldfish pond, sports at, 27. 

Gold, value of 218. 

Gough, 74. 

Graham, 200. 

Grant, 31, 216. 

Gray, 102, 108, 212. 

Green, 30. 

Grotius, 47. 

H 

Iladley, 44. 

Hall, first public, 95. 

Hall, (surname,) 68. 

Hallowell, 46, 141. 

Hancock, 90. 

Hannibal, sexton of old tunnel, 

100. 
Hanson, 154. 
Hart, 95, 96, 97. 
Harwood, 26, 177. 
Hastings, 183. 
Hathorne, 142. 
Haven, 97. 

Hawkes, 51, 52, 64, 72, 100, 140. 
Ilealey, 177. 
Henchman, 141. 
Hermit, Geo. Gray, the 108. 
Hewes, 171. 
Hickford, 177. 
High Rock, 194. 
HilN of Lynn, 194. 
Ilitchings, 98. 
Hobby, 75. 
Hoi t, 31. 
Holden, 177. 
Holder, 140, 177. 
Holmes, 45. 
Holyoke, 92, 207. 
Homan, 177. 
Hood, 123, 131, 215. See Biog. 

Sketches. 
Horse race, 212. 
Hotel neighborhood, HI. 
Howe, 45, 171, 190. 
Hume. 47. 
Humfrev, 41, 158, 159, 160, 161, 

1G2, 170, 171, 173, 207, 209. See 

Biog. Sketches. 



322 



INDEX. 



Hunter, 73. 

Hussey, 177. 

Hutchings, 30. 

Hutchinson, 90. 

Hymn, by 1). N. Johnson, 36. 



Illustrations, list of, v. 
Indian Deed of Lynn, 145, 210. 
Indians, brief account of the ^ 

199. 
Ingalls, 30, 38, 39, 41, 52, 77, 7f 

150, 209. See Biog. Sketches. 
Introduction, 7. 
Ireson, 165. 
Iron works, 89, 209. 



Jackson, 155, 191, 218. 

James, (King), 40, 47. 

Jefferson, 73. 

Jenks, 69, 89, 202. 

Jerrold, 73. 

John, (King), 14,65. 

Johnson, 31, 36, 42, 47, 128. See 

Biog. Sketches. 
Jones, 150. 
Junius, NewhalTs letters on 104. 

Kearney, 217. 

Keayne, 93. 

Kent. 177. 

Kepler. 47. 

Kertland, 41, 95. 209. 

Keyser, 41. 

Kimball, 26, 56, 110, 177. 

King's Lynn. 13. 

Knapp, 31. 

Knight, 140. 

Kossutli, 213. 

Kankshamooshaw, (Indian), 145. 

Lafayette, 88, 107, 211, 212. 
Laighton, and Laughton, 141, 143, 

144. 
Lakes of Lynn, 195. 
Laniphier, 177. 
Lancy, 217. 

Landmarks, old 86 to 111. 
Larkin, 31. 
Law, common, 17. 
Learned, 177. 
Lechford, 161. 
Lee, 46. 
Legg, 104. 
Lemasnev. 177. 
Leo, 46. 



Leslie, 177. 

Letters read at Banquet, 63, 64, 65, 
66, 77, 78, 79. 

Lewis, 43, 95, 107, 109, 135, 151, 
153,154,214. See Biog. Sketches. 

Library, public, 181, 214. 

Leibnitz, 47. 

Lightning, deaths by 93. 

Lincoln, 215. 

Lindsay, 36. 

Linneus, 47. 

Locke, 47. 

Long, 52, 53, 69. 

Longley, 141. 

Lovejoy, 140. 

Love-making, unlawful 94. 

Lover's Leap, 194. 

Lummus, 134, 183, 184, 186, 187, 
188, 189. See Biog. Sketches. 

Lyceum Hall, 121. 

Lynn, in times of war, 190. 

Lynn Mirror, first newspaper, 184. 

Lynn, name of, 12. 

Lynn reijimeut and battle of Bun- 
ker HfU, 106. 

Lynn Regis, 13. 

Lynntield, incorporated, 211. 

JVI 

Makepeace, 89. 

Mansfield, 44, 75, 99, 103, 106, 107, 

108,141,143. See Biog. Sketches. 
Marble, 89, 213, 215. 
Masonic lodge, the first, 211. 
Mather. 59, 160, 198. 
Mayors of Lynn. See Biog. 

Sketches. 
Mc Arthur, 31. 
McClearn, 30. 
McCullough, 31. 
McDonald. 212. 
Mc(iuire, 213. 
McLean, 72. 
McMillen, 177. 
Mechanics" wages, 147. 
Memorial stone, St. Margaret's 

to St. Stephen's, 15. 
Merrill. 211. 

Merrill, 149. See Biog. Sketches. 
Meteors, 212. 215, 217. 
Military in the procession, 30, 34. 
Mills, (for grinding). 89, 107. 
Mills, (surname). 138. 
Milton, 47. 

Modern improvements, 114. 
Monument, soldier.s' 191. 216. 
Moody, 101. 
]\Ioore, 177. 
Morse, 216. 



INDEX. 



223 



Moulton, 101, 103, 177. See Biog. 

Mudge, 91, 124, 127, 133, 140, 159, 

187. See Biog. Sketches. 
Mullen, 177 
MuUiken. 98. 
Munroe, 44, 186, 187. 
Murillo, 47. 
Murphy, 177. 
Music, laands of 27. 
Music Hall, exercises in 36 to 48. 

Nahant. 146, 164, 170, 195, 213. 
Neal, 131, 140, 177. See Biog. 

Sketches. 
Newhall, 44, 52, 53, 54, 58, 69, 90, 

97, 104, 130, 140, 141, 176, 177, 

209, 210, 212. 
Newspapers, 183, 184, 186, 212. 
Newton, 47. 
Northern Lights, 210, 212, 214, 215. 

O 

Odd Fellows' Hall, 122. Banquet 

in, 48 to 81. 
Old Landmarks, 86 to 111. 
Old 'lection, 109. 
Old school oentlenian, 99. 
Old Willis,l08. 
Oliver, 166. 
Onslow, 52. 

Oration, by C. M. Tracy, 37. 
Osborne, 30. 



Palmer, 30. 

Parsons, 150. See Biog. Sketches. 

Patch, 140. 

Peach, 26, 30, 34, 140. 

Perkins, 43. 

Perley, 95, 149. 

Personal notices. See Biograph- 
ical Sketches. 

Pevear, 119. 

Phantom sliip, 173. 

Phinney, 177. 

Pickering, 91, 104. 

Pierce, 177. 

Plantation bell, 104. 

Poem, J. J. Coulton's, 67. 

Polls, number of at different times, 
178. 

Pompev^ (African King,) 107. 

Ponds, 159. 195. 212, 216. 

Poor, maintenance of, 178. 

Pope, 47. 

Population, 191. 



Poquanum, 164, 165. 

Porter, 31. 

Postoffice and postmasters, 98,211 

Potato bug, 217. 

Potter, 95, 210. 

Pranker, 69. 107. 

Pratt, 215. 

Price, 60. 

Procession, ideal along Boston 

street, 86 to 111. 
Procession, the 29; route of, 34. 
Progress of Lynn, 113. 
Public Library, 181. 
Purchis, 141, 143, 144, 145, 146, 166, 

207. See Bios. Sketches. 
Purdy, 213. 

R 

Raddin, 30. 

Railroads, 112, 212, 213. 214, 216. 

Ramsdell, 26, 31, 44, 177. 

Randolph. 44, 146, 166, 210. 

Read, 210. 

Rednap, 41. 

Reeves, 30. 

Regatta, 27. 

Religious societies, 192. 

Reservoir, 216. 

Reservoir Hill, 194. 

Revenue, surplus U. S. 212. 

Revere, railroad disaster in 216 

Rhodes, 97. 

Rich, 30. 

Richards, 41. 

Richardson, 69, 71, 126. See Biog. 

Sketches. 
Road, first to Boston, 84. 
Robinson, 98, 140. 
Roby, 44. 



Sadler, 93, 141, 207. 

Sadler s Rock, 93, 194. 

Sagamore Hill, 9, 159, 169, 194. 

Saint Margaret's, 15. 

Salmon, (surname,) 174. 

Samson, 43. 

Sanderson, 26, 50, 63, 67, 77, 79, 

80, 137. See Biog. Sketches. 
Sargent, 150. 
Sassacus, (Indian,) 43. 
Saugus incorporated, 211. 
Saxon blood, 19. 
Schools, 182. 
Scott, 73. 

Sea-serpent, 212, 216. 
Seppings, 15, 64. 65. 67. 
Settlers, the early 206, 209. 



/ 



224 



INDEX. 



Settlement, commencement of, 7. 

Shaw, 30. 

She])ard, 44, 46, 210. 

Sherman, 215. 

Shipwrecks, 211. 212, 213, 214. 

Shoemaker's shops, 101, 200. 

Shoemakers' strike, 214. 

Shorey. 93, 211. 

Shute. 87. 

Slaves, 100, 107. 

Sleepers in meeting, 166, 175, 209. 

Smith, 217. 

Snow, 177. 

Soil of Lynn, 199. 

Soldiers' monument, 191, 216. 

Spaulding, 217. 

Spencer, 88. 

Sprague, 30. 

Springs, 95, 196. 

Stackpole, 212. 

Stamford, purchase of, 171. 

Stanley, 94. 

Stickney, 125, 154, 150. 157, 158. 

See Biog. Sketches. 
Stone, 30, 129, 131, 130. 
Stone walls, 200. 
Story, 177. 

Surplus U. S. revenue. 212. 
Swampscott, in(;orporated, 213. 
Swan, 154. 
Swett, 103. 

T 

Talbot, 52. 

Tapley, 126. 

Tarbox, 94, 175, 177. 

Tavern, Anchor, 86. 

Taxation, rates of, at different 

periods, 178. 
Tebbetts. 213. 
Telegraph, electric, established, 

213. 
Telephone, introduced, 218. 
Temperature, uncommon, 217. 
Thunder and lightuiuii- house, 93. 
Thurlow, 177. 
Todd. 137. 

Tomlins, 41, 141, 171. 
Town and city officers, 123. 140, 

141, 149, 177.' 
Town liouse, 118. 
Town meetings, 21, 1 15. 
Towns, 177. 
Townsend, 44. 
Tracy, 37. 

Trades in the i)rocession, 32, 35. 
Tram])s, 178, 179, 217. 
Travel, modes of. 112. 
Tread well, 44. 



Tubular wells, 95. 

Tuck, 30. 

Tumith, 31. 

Turner, 169, 171. 172, 173,190,209. 

See Biog. Sketches. 
Tunnel, old. meeting house, 116, 

210. 
Turnpike opened. 111. 

XJ 

Universalist convention, 216. 
Unlawful love-making, 94. 
Usher, 64, 132. See Biog. Sketches. 

Valuation, city, at different times, 

178. 
Varney, 30. 
Vennar, 216. 
Vennard, 177. . 
Victoria, 213. 

Views, landscape and marine, 194. 
Vincent, 177. 

AV 

Wages of mechanics and labor- 
ers, 147. 

Walden, 53, 134. See Biog. 
Sketches. 

Walker, 171. 

Walsh, 30. 

Warner, 30. 

War times, I>ynn's action in, 190. 

Washino-ton, 47, 88, 211. 

Water of Lynn, 196. 

Webster, 213. 

Wesley, 47. 

Whalley, 74. 

White, 30. 107, 177, 212. 

Whitefield, 46, 210. 

Whiting, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63. 165, 167, 
168, 207. See Bioir. Sketches. 

WJiittle, 140. 

Williams, 46, 211. 

Willis, 92, 108, 109. 

Wilson, 71. 

Winthrop, 161. 209. 

AVitchcraft. 210. 

Wood, 38, 39, 40, 46, 196, 209. 

Yacht club, 215 

Young Men's (/hi'istian Assoc-ia- 
tion, 215. 



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